The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially responded to recent statements made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, concerning the status of Mrs.
Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State. During a campaign rally in Akure on October 15, 2024, Governor Makinde called for the removal of Babalola, asserting that she is from Ondo State and alleging potential bias in her conduct ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election scheduled for November 16, 2024.
In a statement released via its official social media account, INEC clarified that Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola is not an indigene of Ondo State, contradicting Governor Makinde's claims. The Commission emphasized its policy of not deploying a REC to their state of origin to ensure impartiality and fairness in electoral processes.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Mrs. Babalola is not from Ondo State,” INEC stated. “This policy is designed to prevent any perceived conflict of interest and to uphold the integrity of our electoral processes.”
The Commission also referenced a similar situation from the 2020 gubernatorial elections in Ondo State when Governor Makinde made allegations against a senior INEC official regarding collusion with external parties. INEC dismissed those claims as unfounded at that time and reiterated its commitment to conducting free and fair elections.
INEC urged public figures and political leaders to verify their assertions before making public accusations, emphasizing the importance of responsible communication in maintaining public trust in the electoral process.
As preparations continue for the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State, INEC remains dedicated to ensuring a transparent and credible electoral environment for all stakeholders involved.