By Olamide Bamidele
Scores of protesters from Ondo State stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Tuesday, demanding the immediate redeployment of Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola.
The demonstrators, waving banners with messages such as “Mahmood: Redeploy Babalola Now” and “We Don’t Want a Repeat of Edo Fiasco,” blocked the entrance to the national secretariat, insisting on a meeting with INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
The protest followed a recent request by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who expressed concerns over Babalola’s alleged connections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
At a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally in Akure, Makinde argued that Babalola’s local ties could compromise the neutrality of the electoral process.
Ayo Adeyemi, leader of the demonstrators and Convener of the Ondo Youth League, emphasized their call for Babalola’s redeployment, stating, “We respect her accomplishments, especially as a woman in a prominent position.
“However, for a free and fair election in Ondo, we can’t have Babalola overseeing the process. She knows nearly everyone in the public sector and is too familiar with the state.”
Adeyemi reiterated, “Redeploying Babalola is in the best interest of our people and INEC to ensure a free and credible election. We’re not here to criticize INEC’s operations; we just want an unbiased REC.”
In response, INEC National Commissioner Major General Modibbo Alkali (retd) acknowledged the orderly conduct of the protesters and assured them that their concerns would be considered.
“INEC operates impartially, without alignment to any political party or candidate. We function under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he stated.
“We’ve received your letter, and INEC will consider it thoroughly.”
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