Ondo APC Chapter Defends Electoral Commissioner Amidst Makinde’s Criticism
The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde for calling for the redeployment of Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo.
Governor Makinde made this demand during the flag-off of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign in Akure, ahead of the upcoming governorship election on November 16.
He raised concerns about Babalola’s impartiality, suggesting her Ondo State origin could affect her performance as this sentiment was echoed by the PDP candidate, Agboola Ajayi, further intensifying the call for her transfer.
In response, APC Publicity Secretary Alex Kalejaiye issued a statement asserting that Makinde’s remarks were inappropriate and that Babalola had shown integrity and competence in her role.
The APC also admonished Makinde to refrain from interfering in Ondo’s political affairs, emphasizing that the state and its electoral body are not subordinate to his authority. The statement condemned Makinde’s comments as unsolicited advice and expressed confidence in the political sophistication of Ondo residents, who make decisions based on conviction rather than external influence.
In defense of Makinde, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kennedy Peretei, characterized the APC’s response as pedestrian. He argued that Makinde, as a key figure in the PDP, had a legitimate right to voice concerns regarding the REC’s impartiality, framing the criticism from the APC as an inadequate reaction to valid electoral issues.
