The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has described Governor Seyi Makinde’s alarm on the appointment of OAU VC, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbode as Chief Returning Officer for Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State as mere speculation.
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, who also doubles as the chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council, and the PDP, had on Thursday stated that the polls may not be free and fair because of Mr Ogunbodede, who is the vice-chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).
The party alleged that Mr Ogunbodede is an ally to to the incumbent governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, candidate of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).
Mr Akeredolu is seeking a second term in office against his deputy and candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Agboola Ajayi; the candidate of the PDP, Eyitayo Jegede, and 14 others.
In its reaction to the stance of the PDP, INEC in a statement signed by a spokesperson of the commission, Festus Okoye, said it will not be drawn into speculations relating to the performance of its constitutional and statutory functions. It also said Mr Ogunbodede has not been appointed the returning officer of the election.
Full statement:
ON THE APPOINTMENT OF A RETURNING OFFICER FOR THE ONDO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION
The attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been drawn to a press conference addressed by the Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council and Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde, on Thursday October 8, 2020 to the effect that the Commission has appointed the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Professor Eyitope Ogungbenro Ogunbodede, as the Returning Officer for the Ondo Governorship election taking place on October 10, 2020.
While the Commission will not be drawn into speculations relating to the performance of its constitutional and statutory functions, it is imperative to set the records straight for the benefit of the people of Ondo State and the integrity of the electoral process.
It is the sole responsibility of the Commission to appoint a Returning Officer for the Ondo Governorship election and does not share this responsibility with any individual, group or Political Party.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Returning Officer for the Ondo Governorship election is not from Ondo State and not from the University mentioned in the said press conference.
The Returning Officer appointed by the Commission will report to the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ondo State on the date conveyed in his letter of appointment issued several days ago.
The Commission is firmly focused on the conduct of free, fair and peaceful election and implores all the stakeholders to cooperate and play their own part in ensuring peaceful election and not to engage in unhelpful speculation.
The main concern of the Commission is in ensuring a credible electoral process while the outcome is in the hands of the people of Ondo State.
Festus Okoye Esq.
National Commissioner & Chairman
Information and Voter Education
October 8, 2020
