The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a formal warning to Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, advising him against making serial and unfounded allegations during the ongoing electioneering process. The commission emphasized the critical importance of maintaining a fair and credible electoral environment, urging all political leaders to engage in responsible discourse that fosters trust and transparency in the electoral process.
INEC conveyed its message through a post on its official X handle, expressing concern over recent statements made by Governor Makinde during a campaign rally for his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which took place in Akure on Tuesday. During this rally, the governor called for the removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State, Mrs. Toyin Babalola, alleging that her position should be reconsidered simply because “she is from Ondo State.”
In response to this assertion, INEC emphasized the necessity of grounding such claims in factual evidence rather than unfounded assumptions. The commission reiterated its unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process in Nigeria, highlighting the need for political leaders to base their allegations on verified information rather than speculation or misinformation.
The electoral umpire pointed out that this is not the first time Governor Makinde has made similar allegations; according to their records, he had previously accused INEC officials of bias ahead of the last Governorship Election in the state in 2020. This history of unfounded claims raises concerns about the potential implications for the electoral climate.
In its official statement, INEC read: “Our attention has been drawn to an allegation made by the Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde at his party’s campaign rally held today in Akure in which he called on the INEC Chairman to remove the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State, Mrs. Toyin Babalola, because ‘she is from Ondo State.’”
“For the avoidance of doubt, Mrs. Babalola is not from Ondo State in line with the Commission’s policy not to deploy a REC to his or her State of origin. In 2020, ahead of the last Governorship election in the same State, he accused a senior official of the Commission of working with the Vice Chancellor of a federal university to undermine the election. The allegation was untrue.”
“We appeal to holders of high public office such as Governor Makinde to verify their information before making these serial, unfounded allegations,” the statement concluded, highlighting the importance of accountability and truthfulness in political discourse. INEC's call for responsible communication serves as a reminder of the significant role that accurate information plays in the electoral process and the overall health of democracy in Nigeria.
Governor Seyi Makinde
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