October 16, (THEWILL) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed claims by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, that the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State, Toyin Babalola, is an indigene of the State.
Speaking at a campaign rally of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Akure, Governor Makinde called for the removal of Babalola, alleging she was from Ondo State.
In a swift response, INEC Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, clarified that Babalola is not from Ondo State, as the Commission strictly adheres to its policy of not deploying RECs to their state of origin.
The Commission emphasised that this policy is in place to maintain impartiality and fairness in the conduct of elections.
According to the electoral umpire, it is not the first time such allegations have been made by Makinde. In 2020, ahead of the Ondo State Governorship election, the governor had accused a senior INEC official of collaborating with the Vice-Chancellor of a federal university to undermine the election, a claim which was later found to be baseless.
The electoral body expressed its concern over the spread of unverified information by individuals in high public office.
While urging Makinde and other political leaders to verify facts before making allegations that could potentially undermine the integrity of the electoral process, INEC assured the public that its officials are deployed in accordance with established regulations to ensure free and fair elections.
“As the political atmosphere in Ondo State heats up ahead of upcoming elections, the Commission’s firm stance against misinformation will be crucial in safeguarding the credibility of the electoral process”, said Olumekun.
