As the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State approaches, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reiterated its demand for the redeployment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Oluwatoyin Babalola. The call was made in an open letter addressed to INEC’s National Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu.
The PDP attributed its request for Babalola’s removal to her close ties and established connections with the state and its residents. The party pointed out that Babalola is a bona fide resident of Ondo State, with her family permanently living at No. 3 Majekodunmi Street, Ijoka Area of Akure town, in Akure South. According to the party’s state secretary, Oluseye Jimi, this makes her an established member of the local community.
Jimi emphasized that the request for Babalola’s redeployment is crucial for preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s fragile democracy and restoring public confidence in the electoral process. The letter stated, “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 INEC under your authority, with a non-partisan official with no previous association with Ondo State.”
The PDP urged INEC to treat this request with the seriousness and urgency it warrants, especially in light of recent statements from Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who called for the Ondo REC’s replacement. The letter reiterated that Makinde’s warning of continued protests by the PDP until their request is met should not be dismissed as an empty threat, noting that this is not the first time the party has raised this concern.