Youths under the auspices of Ondo Youth Vanguard, on Wednesday, stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akure, Ondo state capital, and protested over the alleged unholy romance of the Resident Electoral Commission (REC), Oluwatoyin Babalola, with some politicians in the state ahead the governorship election.
The protesting youths, armed with placards of various inscriptions such as, “Ondo REC must be changed”, “Our election must count”, “Ondo is not Edo”, Ondo REC must go” among others called for the removal of the Babalola, describing the REC action as unhealthy, unprofessional and could undermine the electoral process.
Speaking, the leader of the group, Olawale Ijanusi, stated that the peaceful protest became necessary to register their grievances over the activities of the REC, saying Babalola has been holding private meetings with leaders of some political parties.
According to him, discreet investigation conducted by the group on Babalola has been holding nocturnal meetings with some political, saying “this raises serious concerns among the citizens, voters, and the stakeholders in Ondo state of the impartiality and neutrality of the INEC.
Ijanusi also noted that Babalola is from Ondo state, saying she has been living with her parents for more than ten years before she was appointed as the Ondo REC while her parents are card-carrying members of a political party.
“The Ondo State REC has been living in Akure the state Capital at No.3, Majekodunmi Street, Ijoka area, Akure with her parents for a period of more than ten years before her appointment as the State REC and her parents are known to be card carrying members of a political party.
“The above facts which are in the public domain is an attestation to the fact that Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola will not and can never be fair, unbiased, and an uncompromised umpire in the forthcoming Ondo State Governorship Election as the REC.
“We have been hearing rumours that the REC Chairman, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, has been engaging with certain political parties. We do not know whether it is the APC, PDP, or Labour Party, but we want to caution her and demand that, if true, she should stop.
“Because if she is affiliated with the APC, PDP, or Labour Party, there is no way the election will be free and fair. That is why we are demanding her replacement for the sake of this election.
“Our vote must count because Ondo is not Edo State. Our vote must count,” he reiterated.
Responding, the Administrative Secretary of INEC, Mr Abiodun Amosun, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful manner the group tabled their grievances.
He noted that the group is apolitical and assured them that every vote would count during the election, saying that INEC, as the umpire, would ensure a free and fair election in the state.
Regarding the allegations against the REC, Amosun said the allegations against the REC would be handled at the National headquarters of the electoral body.
“We have heard your demands. The issue will be handled at the headquarters because she was appointed from Abuja.
It is not easy for INEC to tamper with your vote or results. Ensure you have a situation room where you collate results from the polling units.”
The group however, demanded the immediate removal of the Ondo REC, saying ” 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.
“It is our firm belief 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 Staten.
“We hereby urge you 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 REC 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 INEC as the Commission responsible for protecting democracy and electoral processes carried out in the nation at large”
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