The nomination of Lauretta Onochie, a Senior Special Assistant on New Media to President Mahammadu Buhari, as INEC National Commissioner, has provoked public outcry in different quarters including the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, which is kicking against her nomination saying she is a card-carrying member of the ruling All Progressives Congress; and as such, not fit to be appointed as an electoral officer.
The party argued that Onochie would pollute the atmosphere of neutrality, and fair play in the Commission if the Senate goes ahead to approve her nomination.
In spite of these public outcry, the Senate begun the screening process.
It was, however, a rowdy session among the Senators during the screening at the Senate Committee on INEC matters conference room as members quizzed her on her membership of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The Presidential Aide, who had earlier presented an affidavit disclaiming her membership of the party, said she stopped being a member of the APC in 2019, immediately after the General Election even though she had, admitted swearing to an oath at an Abuja Federal High Court that she was a member of the APC.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Kabri Gaya later told journalists that even the All Progressives Congress as a party had written them that Onochie is not their member.
Ekwi Ajide of our Abuja Bureau reports the Committee will now report back to the Senate next week with their findings.
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