By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the removal of Ondo State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, ahead of the November 16 gubernatorial election.
This demand was made at the PDP campaign flag-off in Akure, Ondo State capital on Tuesday, with Senator Bala Muhammed, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, stating that they won’t allow a repeat of the controversy surrounding the last governorship election in Edo State.
The demand stems from allegations that Babalola is compromised and has fraternized with politicians from the All Progressives Congress (APC), potentially undermining the election’s integrity.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State echoed this sentiment, citing concerns about Babalola’s impartiality due to her roots in Akure.
Makinde, while addressing the crowd of the party’s supporters at the campaign venue along Oyemekun road, by Saint Peter’s Unity Secondary School, Akure, urged INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu to remove Babalola, warning of protests if she remains in office.
He also advised Ondo State residents not to sell their votes, emphasising that this election is an opportunity to escape the hardship inflicted by the APC government.
Other PDP leaders, including Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and Senator Abba Moro, Minority Leader of the Senate, rallied support for PDP candidate Agboola Ajayi, describing him as a tested and trusted personality.
The PDP leaders encouraged voters to come out en masse and vote for Ajayi to bring about change.
In his address to the party’s supporters, Senator Sam Egwu appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure democratic governance thrives under his administration, preventing anti-democratic elements from interfering with the election.
The National Chairman of PDP, Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagun, presented the party’s flag to Agboola Ajayi, solidifying his candidacy.
The campaign flag-off was attended by numerous national PDP leaders and representatives from Ondo State’s three senatorial districts.
It will be recalled that protesters had recently stormed the INEC office in Akure, Ondo State’s capital, to demand Babalola’s removal.
They claimed that her continued presence as REC could jeopardize the election’s fairness and transparency.
The protesters accused Babalola of being a card-carrying member of the APC and argue that her association with notable politicians in the state, particularly from the APC, has polarized the electoral process.
In response to these allegations, the administrative secretary of INEC in Ondo State, Biodun Amosun, assured that the commission will address the concerns and ensure that votes count in the upcoming election.
Amosun emphasised that INEC remains an unbiased electoral body.
