INEC Issues Warning to Makinde Before Ondo Polls
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a warning to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, urging him to refrain from making repeated and unfounded accusations during the election campaign. INEC emphasized the importance of maintaining a fair and credible electoral environment, calling on all political leaders to engage in responsible and fact-based discussions.
During a recent campaign rally in Akure for his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Makinde suggested that Mrs. Toyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State, should be removed from her position simply because she is from the state. This claim raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the role of public officials in promoting fair elections.
In response to Makinde’s allegations, INEC clarified that such statements should be based on factual evidence rather than assumptions. The commission reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of elections in Nigeria, highlighting that false claims can undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
INEC also pointed out that this is not the first time Governor Makinde has made similar allegations. They noted that he had previously accused a senior official of the commission in 2020, just before the last gubernatorial election in Ondo State, alleging that the official was working with the Vice Chancellor of a federal university to undermine the election. INEC labeled this accusation as untrue.
To promote a fair electoral process, INEC appealed to public figures like Governor Makinde to verify their information before making serious allegations. The commission’s stance underscores the need for responsible communication among political leaders to ensure a credible and transparent electoral environment.
