…says he’s Akeredolu’s kinsman
THE Peoples Democratic Party’s National Campaign Council for the Ondo State Governorship Election has rejected the appointment of the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, as the Chief Returning Officer of the election on Saturday.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who is the Chairman of the Council, claimed that the VC was a kinsman of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress.
Makinde, who addressed journalists in Akure, said Ogunbodede was from Owo, Akeredolu’s hometown, adding that he won’t be a fair party in the proceedings by virtue of association.
He said, “It has come to our notice that the people of Ondo State will not be getting free and fair elections if the Independent National Electoral Commission, as presently composed, will be overseeing the elections.
”We are speaking in particular about the appointment of Prof Eyitope Ogungbenro Ogunbodede, the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, as the Chief Returning Officer of the Ondo State Governorship election.
“The PDP totally rejects Prof Eyitope Ogungbenro Ogunbodede acting as Chief Returning Officer.”
The governor noted, “He is a known crony of Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, candidate of the All Progressives Congress and hails from Owo, the same hometown as the candidate. He cannot be a fair party in the proceedings by virtue of their association.
“We also want to state that Professor A. S. Bamire, the deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, who conducted the training of returning officers is not a neutral party for the purpose of this election.”
The PDP therefore called on INEC to stay true to its name and replace Prof Ogunbodede with a disinterested party, saying the Chief Returning Officer should have no affiliations with any of the participating parties in the elections.
Makinde said, “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 States, 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.”
He added, “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…We won’t accept this. We don’t want the people of Ondo State to be cheated.”
