From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Protesting Ondo youths, in hundreds, grounded activities at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Abuja, in the early hours of yesterday, demanding the immediate redeployment of Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Oluwatoyin Babalola, ahead of next month’s state governorship election.
Holding posters with various inscriptions, the protesting youths barricaded the road in front of INEC headquarters singing and dancing. Protesting under a group identity, Ondo Youth League, Action for Credible and Transparent Election, they had stormed the secretariat of the electoral umpire with several mats, in readiness to sleep until their request is granted.
“The protest today at INEC office in Abuja is a bold move to demand credible and transparent elections in Ondo State in particular, and Nigeria in general. The Ondo Youth League’s protest serves as a reminder that active citizenship and advocacy are essential components of a healthy democracy. By standing up for their rights and demanding transparency, they are inspiring others to do the same,” the group said.
The group, in the petition entitled “Urgent demand for the immediate redeployment of Ondo State REC, Oluwatoyin Babalola, and signed by Ayo Adeyemi, said: “In the interest of ensuring a free, fair, and transparent governorship election in Ondo State, the Ondo Youth League urgently calls upon Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, to redeploy Oluwatoyin Babalola as the REC of Ondo State.
“Concerns regarding impartiality and alleged affiliations with local political entities cast doubt on the integrity of the upcoming election. To uphold public trust, the Ondo Youth League requests the immediate assignment of a neutral REC with no affiliations to Ondo State or any political interests within its polity. The objective is to maintain the credibility of INEC and foster a fair electoral environment by appointing an unbiased official to oversee the electoral process in Ondo State.”
Addressing the protesters, National Commissioner, A. C. Alkali, promised the management will address their petition.
“I want to thank you all for conducting yourselves in this manner. The way you organised yourself shows that you are disciplined. We appreciate your sacrifice for the country. Because of the importance of your mission, we had to abandon our ongoing commission’s meeting to address you.
“I want to assure you that INEC does not weaver in anything we do. That is why we listened to you and to everyone’s complaint. INEC has no political party; INEC has no candidate for any election. We are here for the country and operate based on rules and regulations. We are a product and child of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Let me reinstate that the mission is to serve as an independent and effective election management body committed to a free, fair and credible election in support of democracy. So, we don’t weaver and we promise you we will never fail you.
“We have received your letter, it is with us and we have acknowledged it. We have written to reply you. Please, in the interest of this country, I urge you to conduct yourself because peace is the medicine for success. What I am assuring you is that we are going to consider your complaint. Your message will be considered, and analysed during our meeting today,” he said.
