Ondo Governorship Election: Makinde Urges INEC to Ensure Fairness, Calls for Election of Agboola Ajayi as Governor

As the governorship election in Ondo State approaches, Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold fairness and transparency in the electoral process. The governor specifically urged INEC to ensure a level playing field for all candidates, emphasizing that the election must reflect the will of the people.

During the flag-off of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Campaign and the presentation of the party’s flag to its candidate, former Ondo State Deputy Governor Chief Agboola Ajayi, Governor Makinde challenged INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, to take immediate action by removing the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola. Makinde argued that the REC, being an indigene of Ondo State, could compromise the integrity of the election, and her removal would demonstrate INEC’s commitment to neutrality.

Governor Makinde made these remarks at the rally held at Oyemekun Road, Akure, on Tuesday. This was contained in a press release signed by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media) to the Oyo State Governor, on October 15, 2024.

Speaking before a massive crowd of PDP supporters, Makinde praised the high turnout of Ondo State residents and urged them to elect Chief Agboola Ajayi in the upcoming election, scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024. He stressed that Ajayi’s leadership would bring genuine hope and transformation to the state, which has been grappling with economic challenges.

Makinde further stated that the PDP would not tolerate a repeat of the irregularities that marred the recent Edo State governorship election. He warned that the party would continue to protest until Mrs. Babalola is replaced with a neutral and fair REC, ensuring a transparent election process.

“This rally marks the beginning of our victory celebration for the PDP in Ondo State,” Governor Makinde declared. “I urge you all to continue the campaign by going from ward to ward, house to house, winning support for the PDP. But let me make one thing clear—INEC must remove the current REC, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, because she is an indigene of Ondo State. This election must not be a repeat of what happened in Edo. We will protest until a new REC is appointed, one who will ensure fairness and allow a level playing field. The PDP is not afraid of a fair contest, but we demand transparency.”

The rally also witnessed the presence of the PDP Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Ilya Umar Damagum, who formally presented the party’s flag to Agboola Ajayi, calling on Ondo State residents to vote for the PDP to alleviate hunger and hardship in the state.

Other notable attendees included PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), the 2023 PDP Governorship Candidate in Ogun State, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, as well as party leaders and chieftains from Ondo and various states across the country.

Governor Makinde’s call for a fair election and his demand for the removal of the current REC highlight the importance of electoral integrity, as the PDP prepares to intensify its campaign efforts in the weeks leading up to the election.