PDP protests at n’assembly over Onochie’s nomination as INEC commissioner

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Wednesday, held a demonstration at the entrance of the national assembly to protest the nomination of Lauretta Onochie, presidential aide, as a national commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

President Muhammadu Buhari had sent a request for Onochie’s confirmation to the senate in October 2020.

Eight months after — on June 9, 2021 — Senate President Ahmad Lawan asked the panel on INEC to screen the presidential aide.

Many citizens have expressed their misgivings about the nomination, arguing that Onochie is partisan, being a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing PDP members during the demonstration, Uche Secondus, national chairman of the party, said if the presidential aide is confirmed by the senate, the electoral body “will be polluted”.

“We have come to this protest… that the national assembly should reject her. She must be totally rejected by the senate and the national assembly,” Secondus said.

“She is partisan. We don’t need INEC to be polluted. If she is cleared, she will be representing one party called APC and that can cause a lot of problems for our country.

“In a crisis situation like this on insecurity and economy, what we need for Mr President is to conduct free and fair elections. This woman is APC and a card carrying member of APC. She will pollute the atmosphere of INEC.”

Also speaking, Enyinnaya Abaribe, senate minority leader, said the petition of the party will be tabled before the senate.

“I have come here with my colleagues from the PDP in the senate. This letter will be presented to the senate,” Abaribe said.