Guber election: Protesters storm INEC office, demand removal of Ondo REC

A large group of youths has called for the immediate removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State, Oluwatoyin Babalola.

The protesters gathered at the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akure on Wednesday, accusing Babalola of colluding with certain politicians in the lead-up to the state’s governorship election.

INEC has scheduled the off-cycle governorship election for November 16, with 17 political parties expected to participate.

The youths expressed their concerns through placards bearing various inscriptions, asserting that Babalola’s continued position as the state’s chief electoral officer could jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process.

Ijanusi Olawale, who represented the protesters, alleged that Babalola had compromised his position by “fraternizing” with members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State.

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Olawale further claimed that the REC is a card-carrying member of the APC, arguing that his departure from the commission is essential for ensuring a fair and transparent election.

The protesters urged INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to reassign Babalola outside of Ondo State and to appoint a neutral and unbiased individual to oversee the upcoming governorship 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.

(DailyTrust)