The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to resist pressure to transfer its Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Oluwatoyin Babalola, ahead of the November 16 governorship election.
This appeal follows protests led primarily by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which accused Babalola of colluding with APC leaders.
In a statement released Wednesday, the APC condemned the PDP’s demand for Babalola’s removal, describing it as a baseless attempt to sway the election process.
APC spokesperson Steve Otaloro voiced concern that the PDP was trying to control the electoral framework by attempting to influence who manages the election.
The APC highlighted that the PDP’s demands contradict the constitutional and legal guidelines established by the Electoral Act of 2022.
The party argued that electoral operations should adhere to these laws, not the influence of individual political agendas.
Calling the recent protests an attempt to compromise the election’s integrity, the APC stated, “We urge INEC to maintain impartiality and reject the PDP’s pressures. Complying with their demands would be unjust to other parties and detrimental to the electoral process.”
Additionally, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ondo expressed confidence in Babalola’s capacity to oversee a fair election.
At a press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre in Akure, IPAC Chairman Adesanya Olaoluwa dismissed accusations of Babalola’s alleged collusion with any party, asserting that these claims lack substance.
Joined by fellow IPAC members, Olaoluwa reaffirmed their support, stating, “IPAC Ondo State chapter, representing all political parties, unanimously passed a vote of confidence in REC, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, to fulfill her responsibilities in the upcoming election.”
