Civil society groups in Ondo State and the Zenith Labour Party candidate, Abass Mimiko, have publicly opposed calls for the removal of the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, ahead of the November 16 governorship election.
The push for Babalola’s redeployment has come primarily from the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, which has urged INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to remove her.
The PDP alleges that Babalola, who is originally from Ondo State, has been overly close with APC leaders, sparking concerns about the potential for bias in the upcoming election.
During a press briefing in Akure, the Chairman of the Ondo State civil society organizations, Frank Olonite, criticized the pressure on Babalola, calling it a calculated move to disrupt the election’s preparations.
“The civil society community in Ondo State is concerned about the actions of certain political actors stirring tension and uncertainty in the lead-up to the 2024 governorship election,” Olonite stated. “We are particularly troubled by the ongoing mobilization against INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner. It appears this campaign aims to pre-empt the election outcome and create unrest, either during or after.”
Olonite underscored that these calls for Babalola’s removal persist despite INEC’s recent statement defending her.
He noted, “This became more alarming when the call from these quarters did not cease even after the electoral management body responded to the REC removal request from the Oyo State Governor with a clear and direct statement on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.”
He also argued that the REC’s Ondo origins should not be an issue, saying, “It is disheartening that political actors are using this negative narrative to stir chaos in Ondo State. This tactic is divisive and harmful.”
Olonite expressed the CSOs’ unified stance against any attempts to intimidate Babalola, noting that political parties did not object to RECs with potential political connections in other states, such as during the Edo State governorship election.
“We stand against any form of gender-based violence or intimidation. We urge law enforcement to provide added security for Mrs. Babalola and protect the state from the malicious intentions of these unscrupulous elements,” he said.
In support of Babalola, ZLP candidate Abass Mimiko commended her for her efforts to ensure a fair election process.
“Mrs. Babalola has shown diligence and commitment. We, in the ZLP, are not calling for her redeployment, as we have full confidence in her impartiality and the integrity of her work,” Mimiko stated. “I am confident that INEC is prepared to deliver a transparent and credible election that reflects the people’s will. I urge all stakeholders to have faith in INEC’s commitment to democracy.”
Both the CSOs and Mimiko stressed the importance of allowing Babalola to continue her role unimpeded, emphasizing her track record and the need for stability in the days leading to the election.
