Ondo 2020: INEC replies PDP, says OAU VC not returning officer

"For the avoidance of doubt, the Returning Officer for the Ondo Governorship election is not from Ondo State."
ByKunle Sanni October 9, 2020 2 min read
The electoral Commission, INEC, has reacted to comments by the opposition party, PDP, rejecting the Chief Returning Officer for Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State, Eyitope Ogunbode.

The PDP and the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, who also doubles as the chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council, 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.

“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.

“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.”

Read full statement below

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



https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-west/419346-ondo-2020-inec-replies-pdp-says-oau-vc-not-returning-officer.html

Pdp. Useless


You can't stop a determined soul for too long.

Never neglect the staying power in and with you.



The man of the SPIRIT is the man of truth, success and victory. This man has been trained to think the mind of Christ. Never moved by things.

Alright

Very well then..
So who is the returning officer?!

The real news

Better they refuted the allegation but underground work don be for APC...inasmuch as I support Jegede,it will be one of the biggest deals to dislodge an incumbent governor.
E no go easy at all but very possible