Ondo Governorship Candidate Raises Concerns over Election Integrity
In a candid interview with Punch on Sunday, Agboola Ajayi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ondo State governorship election, expressed his reservations about the neutrality of Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC). Ajayi alleged that Babalola’s ties to the All Progressives Congress (APC) make her impartial, citing reports of multiple meetings between Babalola and Lucky Aiyetiwada, the Ondo State Governor and his rival from the APC.
Ajayi emphasized that the government should be aware of Babalola’s partisanship, given her connections to the APC. He implored the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to replace Babalola, citing concerns over her ability to conduct a fair election. Despite PDP’s appeal, INEC has yet to respond to the request.
Ajayi warned that if INEC fails to address his concerns, the people of Ondo State will not accept the outcome of the election. He urged INEC to take a cue from the 1983 example and ensure a level playing field for all candidates.
Ajayi also criticized INEC’s handling of the forthcoming election, drawing parallels between the upcoming poll and the controversial Edo State election. He expressed confidence in his party’s chances and hinted at having a comprehensive strategy to prevent rigging, but refused to disclose specific details.
Ajayi’s PDP candidacy is a return to his political roots. He previously served as Deputy Governor of Ondo from 2017 to 2021, alongside then-Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, before falling out with the APC and defecting to the PDP.
