Agboola Ajayi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the Ondo State Governorship Election, has voiced strong concerns over the handling of the election process in Kiribo, Ese-Odo Local Government Area.
Ajayi, who is also a former deputy governor, criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what he described as a failure to ensure a smooth and credible election.
Ajayi arrived at Unit 4, Ward 2 Idumado, to cast his vote at 10:45 a.m. However, the process was marred by delays, as the INEC Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) took over 10 minutes to capture his details.
Speaking to reporters after voting, Ajayi remarked, “The system is not perfect and there are lots of complainants here and there.”
He further alleged deliberate incompetence, saying, “If INEC cannot successfully organise an election in just one state, then you must know that we are running into anarchy. I think it is deliberate on the part of INEC, on the part of the Resident Electoral Commission (REC).”
Ajayi specifically accused the REC, Barr. Oluwatoyin Babalola, of bias and called for her removal, stating, “The system is compromised.”
Additionally, Ajayi decried widespread complaints of vote-buying and malfunctioning BVAS devices across the state. He described the election as “a very shameful exercise” and demanded the resignation of INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu. “If he cannot do the job, he should just resign,” he added.
