A coalition of prominent women organizations in Nigeria has issued a public statement condemning recent attacks on the Ondo Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola.
By Chimezie Godfrey
A coalition of prominent women organizations in Nigeria has issued a public statement condemning recent attacks on the Ondo Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola.
The statement, signed by over 15 groups, criticized Governor Seyi Makinde and other public figures for allegedly targeting Babalola due to unsubstantiated claims of bias and called for an end to efforts to remove her from her position.
The controversy began when Governor Makinde, during a recent campaign rally, suggested that Babalola’s ties to Ondo State could compromise her neutrality in the upcoming elections, sparking widespread tension. In response, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) refuted these claims, affirming that Mrs. Babalola is not from Ondo State and that their policies prevent RECs from serving in their home states.
The women’s groups applauded INEC for standing by its official, asserting that the swift defense reinforces the agency’s commitment to electoral integrity.
In their statement, the women’s organizations warned that public denunciations of women leaders, like those aimed at Mrs. Babalola, perpetuate a “masculine culture” that discourages female participation in leadership.
They argued that such attacks not only threaten the progress of gender equity but also stymie the representation of women in governance, resulting in a decision-making landscape that does not fully address the needs of diverse communities.
The statement underscored the broader implications of these actions, highlighting how the exclusion of women from governance undermines democratic integrity and creates policies that may overlook the interests of women and marginalized groups.
The coalition called for all political leaders, civil society members, and the public to foster a culture of respect for women in leadership.
The signatories, including organizations like the Electoral Hub, Women in Politics Forum, and Alliance for Credible Elections, urged leaders to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to personal attacks. They concluded with a unified call to support women’s participation in governance and to dismantle barriers that inhibit gender equity in leadership.
The coalition remains steadfast in opposing any actions that might disrupt the electoral process or dissuade women from taking on public service roles.