The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has reiterated its demand for the removal of the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, due to concerns about her indigeneship.
In a letter to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the PDP argued that the commission’s failure to clarify her state of origin in its response raises doubts about the integrity of the upcoming election.
INEC has stated that, in the absence of credible evidence demonstrating any unethical or criminal behavior by the REC, she will not be redeployed.
The PDP claimed that INEC did not conduct thorough background checks on Babalola, noting that she grew up in Ondo State, with her parents residing in Akure, the state capital.
The party emphasized that even if she is not an indigene by birth, her more than ten years of residence in the state qualifies her as one.
In the letter, signed by the PDP’s state Secretary, Mr. Oluseye Olujimi, the party argued that the redeployment of the REC is essential for restoring public confidence in the commission’s ability to conduct a credible governorship election in Ondo State.
The PDP highlighted that Babalola has lived in the state for over three decades, currently residing with her parents and siblings at House Number 3, Majekodunmi Street, Ijoka Area of Akure Town.
The party has consistently called for Babalola’s removal, alleging ties to leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. This sentiment was echoed by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State during his recent campaign in Ondo.
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The letter read in part, “ 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 INEC under your authority, with a non-partisan official with no previous association with Ondo State.
“We also counsel that you view this request with the seriousness and urgency it deserves for the preservation of our nation’s very fragile democracy and the restoration of Public confidence in 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, 15 October, 2024, in direct reaction to the call by the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, that the Ondo REC should be replaced. Governor Seyi Makinde’s warning that the PDP will continue to protest until its request is met, should not be taken as an empty threat.
“Moreso, since it is on record that the governor’s call of Tuesday was not the first time the party had made such a request. Our party, the Peoples Democratic Party, had earlier mentioned to you in a previous letter to your office, that the Ondo State Commissioner, Mrs Toyin Babalola is not morally and reasonably fit to supervise the gubernatorial election fixed for November 16.
“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.
“A diligent check on the background of the REC would have revealed to you that, not only did she grow up in Ondo State, but that she currently also lives in her parents’ house which is No. 3, Majekodunmi Street, Ijoka Area, Akure town, the state capital.
“Even if she were not of Ondo State origin by birth, the constitution of Nigeria makes it quite clear, that anyone who has lived in a particular place for 10 years, statutorily qualifies for recognition as an indigene. Chairman Sir, it is obvious that your office did not do a diligent check before issuing that unfortunate statement.
“That unfortunate omission on your part sadly gives the impression that INEC cares less, should the issue of the REC’s residency status and dubious integrity result in avoidable controversies and/or crises, that may fall out from any unwitting act of replicating in the upcoming Ondo State election, the controversial APC template so ignominiously used in the recent Edo State gubernatorial election, the dust from which is yet to settle.”
In response, Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, emphasized that INEC has a clear policy regarding the deployment and redeployment of Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
He noted that such decisions are not swayed by political parties or individuals unless there is credible evidence of unethical or criminal behavior.
Oyekanmi confirmed that the Ondo REC would not be redeployed in light of recent demands and urged the PDP to work collaboratively with INEC to ensure a free and fair election in the state on November 16.
The CPS stated, “The Independent National Electoral Commission deploys and redeploys Resident Electoral Commissioners based on its established policy, not on calls by political parties or partisan individuals, especially if such calls are not backed by any credible evidence of unethical or criminal act against the REC in question.
“To that extent, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ondo State will not be redeployed.
“We appeal to the PDP to join hands with the commission in its effort to conduct a free and fair election in the state on November 16.”
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