Makinde, PDP rejects OAU VC as Returning Officer for Ondo election
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the nomination of Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, as the Chief Returning Officer for Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State.
Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who spoke at a briefing in Akure on Thursday, said Prof. Ogunbodede was a known crony of the state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and also hails from Owo, the governor’s hometown.
Makinde said the people of Ondo State would not be getting free and fair elections with the present composition of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Makinde, who insisted that Prof. Ogunbodede would not be a fair party in the proceedings by virtue of his association with Akeredolu called on INEC to immediately replace him.
The PDP National Campaign Chairman said Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of OAU, Prof.A S Bamire, who conducted the training for Returning Officers was not a neutral person for the purpose of Saturday’s election.
He threatened that anybody that attempted to rig Saturday’s election would be reported to the international community, noting that the reason for crying out was because once the Returning Officer made a pronouncement, it would resort to going to the tribunal.
“Why did INEC bring somebody from Owo? Why go to OAU? Are there not other universities? We don’t want Ondo people to be cheated.
“We also take this opportunity to call on all lovers of democracy around the world to pay attention to what the APC-led administration in the center is trying to do in Ondo State. We call on the United Nations, the European Union, the United State and the United Kingdom and indeed all allies of democracy to call INEC to order.
“We call on all security agencies in Ondo State not to allow themselves to be used as a tool against the will of the people. We commend you for all you have done so far, providing the needed support and security for our candidate and our people.
“We urge you to do more. Don’t forget that history and posterity have never been kind to anyone who allowed themselves to be used as a tool for injustice. We urge you to read the mood of the people and act accordingly. Politicians may come and go, but the people will always remain. Remember, the world is watching,” Makinde said.
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