INEC Clears Air Over Returning Officer For Ondo Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared the air over the allegations raised by the Peoples Democratic Party over the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, as the Chief Returning Officer of Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State.

According to the electoral body, the report that it appointed an ally of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu as returning officer for the governorship election is fake and malicious.

In a statement issued by the National Commission and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, INEC said the returning officer for the election is not from Ondo State and not from OAU as alleged by the PDP.

Okoye noted that it is the sole responsibility of the INEC to appoint a Returning Officer for the Ondo Governorship election and does not share the responsibility with any individual, group, or Political Party.

He added that 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.

However, the INEC spokesperson implored stakeholders to cooperate and play their part in ensuring peaceful election rather than engaging in unhelpful speculation.

Earlier, the Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council and Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has raised an alarm that Ogunbodede is a known crony of Governor Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress and hails from Owo, the same hometown as the candidate.

Makinde said Ogunbodede can not be a fair party in the proceedings by his association with Governor Akeredolu, who is seeking re-election during the Saturday elections.