Ondo Guber: Provide level playing field, Makinde tells INEC

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Tuesday called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to act fairly by ensuring a level playing field as the governorship election in Ondo State approaches.

Makinde challenged the commission’s chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, to replace the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), an indigene of the state, to demonstrate fairness and transparency in the electoral process.

The governor made this statement in Akure during the flag-off of the PDP Governorship Campaign and the presentation of the party’s flag to its candidate, former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Chief Agboola Ajayi.

Expressing satisfaction with the large turnout of residents at the rally held at Oyemekun Road, Akure, Makinde urged voters to support the PDP candidate in the November 16, 2024, governorship election to bring real hope to the state.

He vowed that the PDP would not allow a repeat of the irregularities witnessed in the recent Edo State election, stating that the party would continue to protest until the Ondo REC is replaced.

He said: “This rally marks the beginning of PDP’s victory party in Ondo State.

“Please, go from ward to ward, house to house, in the next three weeks to win souls for the PDP, and it shall be well with us.

“But I have a message for the INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood. You must remove the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, because she is from Ondo State.

“What happened in the Edo election cannot happen here in Ondo. We will protest until she is removed.

“Bring in another REC who will ensure fairness and a level playing field. As PDP, we are not afraid of fair competition. Remove her, or we will continue protesting.”

The rally was attended by the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Ilya Umar Damagum, who presented the party’s flag to Agboola Ajayi, urging residents to vote for the PDP to end hunger and hardship in the state.

Also present were the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, other members of the PDP National Working Committee, top party chieftains from various states, and PDP leaders across Ondo State.