The Ondo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has slammed Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for calling for the removal of the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Babalola Oluwatoyin, ahead of next month’s polls.
The party said neither Ondo State nor the electoral body was an appendage of Oyo State, where Makinde is the governor.
The APC also stated that the REC had demonstrated integrity, competence and capacity to handle any election.
A statement by the spokesperson for Ondo APC, Alex Kalejaiye, criticized Makinde’s directive, calling it absurd.
Kalejaiye pointed out that Makinde had no role in the transfer of the REC to Ondo State and held no political influence within the state.
The statement described Makinde’s advice to Ondo voters not to sell their conscience as insulting, noting that the people of the state are politically sophisticated and act on conviction, not easily swayed.
It added that the Ondo APC has strong, unbeatable structures across the state, capable of defeating any party in any election.
“Besides, the recent defection of notable political giants from his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has further fortified the chances of APC in November.
“It is therefore clear that our party won’t need to indulge in those undemocratic gymnastics employed by the PDP to win Oyo for Makinde in 2019. Fear not, Mr. Governor.
“Our counsel to the governor is to focus on the myriad of problems currently facing Oyo State. Sadly, Oyo State is being run as a conquered territory, where the degree of capital flight is second to no other in the country.
“The party commends its members for their unwavering belief in the party, and urges them to exhibit maturity and decorum as they continue to solicit for a renewal of the people’s mandate, come November, 16th,” the statement added.
Ondo Guber: APC slams Makinde over call for REC’s removal
