Protesters occupy INEC office, demand Ondo REC’s removal

Scores of youths have demanded the immediate removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, Oluwatoyin Babalola.

The youths, who stormed the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akure, on Wednesday, accused Babalola of ‘fraternizing’ with some politicians ahead of the governorship election in the state.

INEC had announced November 16 for the off-cycle governorship election in the state, with the participation of 17 political parties.

Wielding placards with different inscriptions, the aggrieved youths said the continued stay of Babalola as the state chief electoral officer could undermine the process of the election.

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Ijanusi Olawale, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, alleged that Babalola had compromised by ‘romancing’ the members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Olawale, who accused the Ondo REC of being a card-carrying member of the APC, said Babalola must leave the commission to allow a free and fair process of the governorship poll.

He asked the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to transfer the REC outside the state while demanding the appointment of a neutral and unbiased chief electoral officer for the election.

“The compromised position of Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola is further undermined by her activities and alliance with members of political parties within the state, and this clearly is a conflict of interest.

“The interest threatens to undermine the foundation of our democracy and imperil the trust of the people of the state in the electoral process. So, we are here demanding that she must go. Let her leave this state and go somewhere else. We can’t trust any process under her.

“Even, her association with notable politicians in Ondo State, especially the members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), indicates the polarization of the electoral process, leading to loss of faith in the democratic system,” he said.

All efforts by Daily Trust to get the REC’s reaction proved abortive as her mobile was switched off.

But the administrative secretary of the commission in the state, Biodun Amosun, told our correspondent on the phone that the allegations raised by the youths would be addressed.

Amosun, however, assured that INEC remained an unbiased electoral body and would ensure all votes count in the upcoming election.

“Let us assure you that the issue will be handled by the INEC Chairman. The Chairman will look into the demands and allegations.

“We will look at the various issues. We can assure you that the issue will be adequately flogged. But one important thing is that votes will count in Ondo State,” he added.