The Southwest caucus of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed its support to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s request for the immediate redeployment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Commissioner in Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola. This demand comes as part of the party’s broader effort to ensure the integrity and credibility of the forthcoming governorship elections scheduled for November.
In a statement signed its zonal publicity secretary Chief Sanya Atofarati, the PDP stressed the need for the Ondo State electorate to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their democratic right and choices. The party has voiced its concerns regarding Mrs. Babalola’s relationship with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that these ties has compromised Mrs. Babalola’s position as resident electoral commissioner thereby making her unsuitable for overseeing the forthcoming elections.
“This call is to ensure the credibility of the upcoming November Governorship election in the state,” Atofarati declared, underscoring the importance of maintaining a fair electoral landscape. He pointed out that Governor Makinde’s position regarding Mrs. Babalola’s alleged affiliations with prominent APC leaders in Ondo could severely jeopardize the integrity of the electoral proceedings. The PDP has therefore called on INEC to distance itself from any actions that could potentially undermine the credibility of the Ondo Gubernatorial elections.
The party is expressing a profound confidence in the electorate’s determination to support the PDP candidate, Agboola Ajayi, in the coming elections stating that Atofarati has made it clear that any attempts to manipulate the outcome of the elections will be met with staunch opposition from the party and its supporters.
The statement further stated that “The Southwest PDP remains resolute in their support for the redeployment call of Mrs. Toyin Babalola, who is currently the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State because she cannot be trusted to superintend the November Governorship election due to her conspicuous ties with the ruling APC in the state,” he asserted. This statement reflects the party’s unwavering stance on ensuring that the electoral process remains free from any undue influence or manipulation.
As the November election approaches, the political landscape in Ondo State is becoming increasingly charged, with the PDP positioning itself as a champion for the people’s aspirations against perceived manipulations by the ruling party. The emphasis on vigilance and accountability resonates strongly with voters who are keenly aware of the stakes involved in the electoral process.
