Protesters occupy Ondo INEC office, demand REC’s removal
The protesters at Ondo INEC office in Akure
Published By: Isa Isawade
Protesters on Wednesday stormed the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo, demanding the immediate removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Oluwatoyin Babalola.
The youths, who stormed the electoral body’s office in Akure, 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.
According to Daily Trust, 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)”.
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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 electoral officer for the election.
But the administrative secretary of the commission in the state, Biodun Amosun, said the allegations raised by the youths would be addressed.
He, 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.”
