CurrentReport Blog Ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election in Ondo State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refuted claims made by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State regarding the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Toyin Babalola. The commission addressed the allegations via a post on its verified X handle, stating that Makinde’s claim that Babalola hails from Ondo State is “unfounded and untrue.”
Governor Makinde, during a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign rally in Akure, had called on INEC to remove Babalola, alleging that her ties to the state could compromise the fairness of the election. However, INEC was quick to respond, emphasizing that the commission follows a strict policy of not deploying RECs to their states of origin to maintain neutrality.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Mrs. Babalola is not from Ondo State in line with the Commission’s policy,” INEC stated, further urging public figures like Governor Makinde to verify their information before making such accusations. INEC also recalled a similar incident in 2020, where Makinde had made unverified claims against the commission’s officials during a previous Ondo election.
The gubernatorial election, set for November 16, 2024, has drawn significant attention as political parties ramp up their campaigns. INEC reassured the public that it remains committed to ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.
