Citing what they allege is an unholy relationship with some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, a group, Ondo state Youth Vanguard, has demanded for the transfer of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, (REC) in the state, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola.
Members of the youth group, which backed their demand with a street peaceful protest on Wednesday in Akure, maintained that their demand was to ensure a credible governorship election in the state come November.
In a petition to the INEC chairman on behalf of the group,
Mr Adeniyi Farinto, a lawyer, explained that the REC was posted to the state on the request of the governor to assist him during the election.
It claimed that Mrs Babalola grew up in Akure living with her parents all of whom are card carrying members of the APC.
Part of the petition reads “We have the firm instructions of our Clients to bring to your notice the activities of the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner and to implore you, as a matter of urgency, to immediately transfer Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola as the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner before the forthcoming Ondo State Gubernatorial Elections set to hold on the 16th day of November, 2024.
“This demand became necessary and imperative in order to safeguard the Electoral Integrity and Fairness and level playing ground in the forthcoming Gubernatorial Election in Ondo State.
“The compromised position of Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola is further undermined by her activities and alliance with members of political parties within the state.
“This clearly, is a conflict of interest which threatens to undermine the foundation of our democracy and imperil the trust of the people of Ondo State in the Electoral process.
“Her association with notable politicians in Ondo State especially members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) indicates the politicization of the Electoral process leading to loss of faith in the democratic system
“It is our firm believe that your Commission has the sacred duty and responsibility to protect the integrity of the Electoral process and maintain public trust in the forthcoming Election in Ondo State.
“We hereby urge you Sir to use your good offices to immediately transfer Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola out of Ondo State and to be given another role within your Commission and appoint a neutral, unbiased, and credible individual as the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Ondo State to superintend the forthcoming Governorship Election.
“This is not merely a request, but also an imperative duty to safeguard the integrity of the Independent National Electoral Commission as the Commission responsible for protecting democracy and electoral processes carried out in the nation at large.”
The administrative secretary of INEC in Ondo State, Biodun Amosun, while addressing the protesters, assured them that their votes would count.
Amosun stated that allegations against the REC would be handled at the national headquarters of the electoral body.
“We have heard your demands. The thing is being handled at the headquarters. It is not easy for INEC to do anything if you vote. Ensure you have a situation room where you collate results from the polling units.”
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