Why We Insist On Transfer Of INEC Commissioner In Ondo – PDP

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP)  in Ondo state, has again written a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) insisting that retaining the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Toyin Babalola in the state to superintend over November election will compromise the exercise.

Governors and national leaders of the PDP had earlier demanded the transfer of Babalola to guarantee the sanctity of November governorship election.

In a letter dated 18th October, signed by the state secretary, Oluseye Olujimi to the INEC chairman, Prof Mahmoud Jega, the state chapter of the PDP insisted that the experience during the last governorship election in Edo state, compelled the party to remind the electoral umpire to do the needful.

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 the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under your  commission,  with a non partisan official with no previous  association  with the state.

“We also counsel that you view  this request with the seriousness and urgency it requires for the preservation of the nation’s very fragile democracy and the restoration of 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 Tuesday, in direct reaction to the call of the Oyo state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, that the Ondo REC should be replaced.

“He also mentioned that the PDP will continue to protest until the request is met , that also, should not be taken as an empty threat.

“Let it be on record, that Governor Seyi Makinde’s call on Tuesday, was not the first time the party made the request.

“It had earlier been mentioned to you in a previous  letter to your office, that your Ondo State Commissioner is not fit to supervise the gubernatorial election fixed for November 16,  for a reason of compromise, as the REC is found out to be a resident of the state, even with her family also, as established residents in 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.

“Dear Chairman, it is obvious that your commission’s information section did not do a diligent check before your commission  made that unfortunate statement, which gives the impression, that INEC  care less, should the issue leads to the avoidable mayhem, which any act of unfairness in the coming election my cause.

“A diligent check on the background of the REC would have revealed to you that, not only did she grew up in Ondo state, she also currently lives in her parents house at  No 3, Majekodunmi street, Ijoka Area in

Akure, the Ondo state capital.

“Even if she was not of Ondo state origin, the constitution of Nigeria makes anyone who had lived in a particular place for a period of ten years an automatic indigene.

“Moreover, apart from being a member of the Ondo state Community, 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 been holding nocturnal meetings with Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa , the  governor of the state and candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC)   in the same election.

“The above have put to question, the REC’s neutrality in the coming election, where the umpire is expected to be absolutely unbiased and non partisan.

“The integrity of your Commission became  more questionable, following the controversial election held in Edo state recently.

“You may wish to know  also, that the Edo state development, has charged up the atmosphere in Ondo state ahead of the November 16 election.

“Hence, the rational thing to do as an unbiased umpire,  would have been to use the Ondo election, as opportunity to regain the Commission’s integrity.

“Replacing the Ondo REC should not be a change too difficult for you to effect , if you were sincere and intentional about restoring the faith of the democracy loving Nigerians in your Commission.

“May we reiterate once again,  that  Mrs  Toyin Babalola, Ondo REC, is not by any inch qualified to be an umpire in the coming Gubernatorial election in the State .

“For the  sake of emphasis, Mrs Babalola who presently resides at No 3, Majekodunmi street, Ijoka Area in Akure with her parents  and siblings, has been a resident in Ondo state  for more than three  decades.”