As Ondo State prepares for its governorship election on November 16, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reiterated its demand for the redeployment of Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The PDP formally lodged its request in an open letter addressed to INEC’s National Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu.
The party’s appeal for Babalola’s transfer stems from her deep connections to Ondo State and its residents, which potentially compromise her impartiality.
According to Oluseye Jimi, PDP State Secretary, Babalola resides at No. 3 Majekodunmi Street, Ijoka Area of Akure town, in Akure South, making her an established resident of Ondo State.
Jimi emphasized that Babalola’s residency undermines her ability to remain neutral, necessitating her redeployment to preserve the integrity of INEC and maintain public trust.
The PDP considers this request crucial for safeguarding Nigeria’s fragile democracy and restoring public confidence in INEC’s impartiality.
The letter reads: “For the umpteenth time, we are calling on you, to as a matter of urgency, replace the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Toyin Babalola, appointed and posted to Ondo State by INEC under your authority, with a non-partisan official with no previous association with Ondo State.
“We also counsel that you view this request with the seriousness and urgency it deserves for the preservation of our nation’s very fragile democracy and the restoration of public confidence in your Commission’s integrity.
“It has become expedient, that you act positively on the content of this letter, following a statement credited to your Commission on October 15, 2024, in direct reaction to the call by the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, that the Ondo REC should be replaced.
“Governor Makinde’s warning that the PDP will continue to protest until its request is met, should not be taken as an empty threat. Moreso, since it is on record, that the Governor’s call of Tuesday, was not the first time the Party had made such a request”
Olujimi stated further in the letter that “Our Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, had earlier mentioned to you in a previous letter to your office, that the Ondo State Commissioner, Mrs. Toyin Babalola is not morally and reasonably fit to supervise the gubernatorial election fixed for November 16.
“This is on account of the very likelihood of compromise, as it has come to light that the REC, is a bonafide resident of Ondo State with her family permanently domiciled at No. 3 Majekodunmi Street, Ijoka Area of Akure Town, in Akure South. She remains therefore an established resident of Ondo State.
“Quite unfortunately, however, a statement credited to you on Tuesday, said the REC would not be removed because she is not from the State, even though you refused to mention her State of origin.
“A diligent check on the background of the REC would have revealed to you that, not only did she grow up in Ondo State, but that she currently also lives in her parents’ house which is No. 3 Majekodunmi Street, Ijoka Area, Akure Town, and the State Capital.
“Even if she were not of Ondo State origin by birth, the constitution of Nigeria makes it quite clear, that anyone who has lived in a particular place for a period of ten years, statutorily qualifies for recognition as an indigene”
The party however, noted that INEC failed to do diligent check on Babalola before issuing statement on Ondo REC residency status
“That unfortunate omission on your part, sadly gives the impression that INEC cares less, should the issue of the REC’s residency status and dubious integrity result in avoidable controversies and/or crises, that may fall out from any unwitting act of replicating in the upcoming Ondo State election, the controversial APC template so ignominiously used in the recent Edo State gubernatorial election, the dust from which is yet to settle.
“Moreover, apart from being a member of Akure Town in particular, and Ondo State Community in general, which disqualifies her from the Ondo REC job; going by the rule of engagement of your Commission, it has also been established that the REC, has all along been holding nocturnal meetings with the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the forthcoming election, in the person of the incumbent Governor of the State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
“Such an unfortunate scenario leaves us wondering and asking: What is going to be the fate of the other contestants under such most disproportionately skewed circumstances?
“The above have put to question, the REC’s neutrality in the upcoming election, where the umpire is expectedly should be absolutely unbiased and non partisan”.
Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/
