Ayobamiji Komolafe 
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed claims made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, regarding the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State, Toyin Babalola.
Speaking at a campaign rally of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Akure, Governor Makinde called for the removal of Babalola, alleging she was from Ondo State.
In a swift response, INEC clarified that Babalola is not from Ondo State, as the Commission strictly adheres to its policy of not deploying RECs to their state of origin.
The Commission emphasized that this policy is in place to maintain impartiality and fairness in the conduct of elections.
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According to the electoral umpire, this is not the first time such allegations have been made by Makinde.
In 2020, ahead of the Ondo State Governorship election, the governor had accused a senior INEC official of collaborating with the Vice-Chancellor of a federal university to undermine the election, a claim which was later found to be baseless.
The electoral body expressed its concern over the spread of unverified information by individuals in high public office.
INEC urged Makinde and other political leaders to verify facts before making allegations that could potentially undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
INEC also reassured the public that its officials are deployed in accordance with established regulations to ensure free and fair elections.
As the political atmosphere in Ondo State heats up ahead of upcoming elections, the Commission’s firm stance against misinformation will be crucial in safeguarding the credibility of the electoral process.
