Protesters stormed the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akure, on Wednesday, and demanded the immediate removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, Oluwatoyin Babalola.
They said Babalola was ‘fraternizing’ with some politicians ahead of the November 16 governorship election in the state with the participation of 17 political parties.
The protesters displayed placards with different inscriptions, saying Babalola as the state chief electoral officer could undermine the process of the election.
Ijanusi Olawale, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, accused Babalola of ‘romancing’ with members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Olawale, said the Ondo REC is a card-carrying member of the APC, adding that he must leave the commission to allow a free and fair governorship poll.
He asked the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to deploy the REC and be replaced with a neutral and unbiased chief electoral officer for the election.
“The compromised position of Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola is further undermined by her activities and alliance with members of political parties within the state, and this clearly is a conflict of interest.
“The interest threatens to undermine the foundation of our democracy and imperil the trust of the people of the state in the electoral process. So, we are here demanding that she must go. Let her leave this state and go somewhere else. We can’t trust any process under her.
“Even, her association with notable politicians in Ondo State, especially the members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), indicates the polarization of the electoral process, leading to loss of faith in the democratic system,” he said.
All efforts by Daily Trust to get the REC’s reaction proved abortive as her mobile was switched off.
But the administrative secretary of the commission in the state, Biodun Amosun, told our correspondent on the phone that the allegations raised by the youths would be addressed.
Amosun, however, assured that INEC remained an unbiased electoral body and would ensure all votes count in the upcoming election.
“Let us assure you that the issue will be handled by the INEC Chairman. The Chairman will look into the demands and allegations.
“We will look at the various issues. We can assure you that the issue will be adequately flogged. But one important thing is that votes will count in Ondo State,” he added.
