INEC debunks Gov. Makinde’s allegations, defends Ondo REC

October 16, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a strong rebuttal to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State’s allegations against the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State, Mrs. Toyin Babalola.

At his party’s campaign rally in Akure, Governor Makinde called for the removal of Mrs. Babalola, claiming she is from Ondo State and therefore potentially biased.

The commission swiftly responded through her official X page to clarify that Mrs. Babalola is not from Ondo State, in line with the Commission’s policy of not deploying RECs to their state of origin.

“Our attention has been drawn to an allegation made by the Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde at his party’s campaign rally held today in Akure in which he called on the INEC Chairman to remove the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State, Mrs. Toyin Babalola, because “she is from Ondo State.” INEC said.

The commission’s response emphasized that Governor Makinde’s allegations are unfounded and part of a larger pattern of baseless accusations.

In 2020, ahead of the Ondo State governorship election, the Governor accused a senior INEC official of colluding with a federal university’s Vice Chancellor to undermine the election. INEC stated that this allegation was thoroughly investigated and proven false.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Mrs. Babalola is not from Ondo State in line with the Commission’s policy not to deploy a REC to his or her State of origin. In 2020, ahead of the last Governorship election in the same State, he accused a senior official of the Commission of working with the Vice Chancellor of a federal university to undermine the election. The allegation was untrue.

“We appeal to holders of high public office such as Governor Makinde to verify their information before making these serial, unfounded allegations.” INEC stated.

The Commission expressed concern over Governor Makinde’s repeated unfounded allegations, which could undermine public trust in the electoral process. INEC appealed to holders of high public office to verify information before making public statements, ensuring accuracy and fairness in the electoral process.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to impartiality and transparency, ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.