The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has demanded the immediate removal of Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State.
Makinde, who also serves as the South-West Zonal leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, made this call to ensure a free, fair, and credible governorship election in Ondo State, according to Leadership.
Makinde’s concerns stem from Babalola’s connection to Ondo State, potentially compromising her impartiality.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmoud, to deploy a replacement REC to guarantee a level playing field for all contestants.
The PDP governorship candidate for Ondo State, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, echoed Makinde’s sentiments, stressing the need for Babalola’s redeployment to prevent bias in the election.
Ajayi also outlined his 7-key agenda for the state, focusing on infrastructure development, agriculture, health, education, security, community development, and economic empowerment.
Ajayi’s agenda promises to enhance law enforcement agencies’ capacity, implement community policing, and provide primary health centers in each of the 203 wards.
He also pledged to provide free and compulsory education at primary and junior secondary levels and support farmers with high-yield seeds and inputs.
The Ondo State governorship election is scheduled to take place on November 16, 2024. The call for Babalola’s removal comes amidst concerns about electoral integrity and fairness. INEC has yet to respond to Makinde’s demand.
The development has sparked attention ahead of the crucial election, with political stakeholders closely watching the situation unfold.
According to Makinde, “This message is for the INEC national chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmoud. You must remove the REC in Ondo State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola.
“She’s from Ondo State. What they did in Edo will not succeed in Ondo. We will protest until she’s removed. Bring another REC that will be fair, that will allow a level playing field. We as PDP aren’t afraid of any contest. Remove her or else, we will continue to protest.”
“Ondo REC must be redeployed. She was born here, her parents live here. She can never be fair in this election. We don’t want her in Ondo State.
Babalola must leave.” He also listed his 7-key agenda for the state to include infrastructure, agriculture, and health development amongst others.
“We will enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies particularly Amotekun, Forest Guards, Vigilantes, and Traditional Hunters through advanced training and provision of appropriate equipment. With the cooperative engagement of traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders implement community policing and neighborhood watch programs to improve public safety.
“Massively, we will produce food to immediately end hunger in the state by purchasing and distributing high-yield seeds, seedlings, and inputs to farmers. Increase and improve classrooms and other buildings for primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions within the state. Free and compulsory education at the primary and junior secondary levels for all.
“On health, Agboola said, his government will provide a primary health center in each of the 203 wards in the state to be staffed by trained and dedicated medical personnel and provide essential drugs, hospital consumables, and laboratory services to patients at affordable costs.”
