Scores of youths occupied the INEC office in Akure, Ondo State, calling for the immediate removal of Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola.
The protesters, armed with placards, alleged that Babalola had compromised her neutrality by fraternizing with politicians, particularly members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of the November 16 governorship election.

INEC had announced the election would involve 17 political parties. The youths claimed Babalola’s continued presence could undermine the electoral process.
Ijanusi Olawale, the protesters’ spokesperson, accused Babalola of being a card-carrying APC member and demanded her transfer outside the state. He urged INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to appoint a neutral chief electoral officer.
“Babalola’s actions indicate a conflict of interest, threatening our democracy’s foundation and eroding trust in the electoral process,” Olawale said.
Efforts to reach Babalola for comment were unsuccessful, but Administrative Secretary Biodun Amosun assured that INEC would address the allegations.
“INEC remains unbiased and committed to ensuring votes count in the upcoming election,” Amosun said.