Dozens of protesters from Ondo State gathered at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, demanding the immediate redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola. Demonstrators carried signs with slogans such as “Mahmood: Redeploy Babalola Now” and “We Don’t Want a Repeat of Edo Fiasco,” blocking the entrance to INEC’s national office and requesting a meeting with INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to express their concerns.

The protest follows a recent appeal by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who questioned Babalola’s neutrality, alleging her connections to the All-Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking at a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) rally in Akure, Governor Makinde argued that Babalola’s long-standing ties within Ondo might affect her impartiality in the upcoming elections.

Echoing the governor’s concerns, protest leader Ayo Adeyemi, convener of the Ondo Youth League, clarified that their issue was not personal but focused on ensuring an unbiased electoral process. “We have no issue with Babalola’s credentials, but her familiarity with the state could present a conflict of interest,” he stated. “For a fair and credible election in Ondo, we simply request her redeployment.”
The demonstrators emphasized that their actions were not a critique of INEC but a call for impartial oversight in the forthcoming election.

In response, INEC National Commissioner Major General Modibbo Alkali (retd) praised the group for their peaceful protest and assured them that their concerns would be considered. “INEC operates with complete neutrality and is committed to upholding the Constitution,” he said. “We have received your letter, and the chairman will thoroughly review it. Rest assured; INEC will address your concerns.”