The National Integration Forum (NIF) has urged the Senate to confirm the seven national commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

NIF, a political pressure group, stressed that the confirmation of commissioners was also more important as INEC and political parties were already gearing up for by-elections, some governorship elections as well as the February 2023 general election.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by Aminu Alkali, chairman of the NIF.

Mr Alkali called on the Senate to expedite action in finalising the Electoral Act amendment as part of its constitutional contribution to advancing democracy.

Buttressing the import of the first-of-its-kind appointment of an experienced INEC staff as a commissioner, the chairman of the group said Mr Buhari ‘Hit the Bull’s eye’.

“Kenneth Ukeagu’s appointment is unique being the first member of staff or an insider to be so appointed by any president; President Buhari needs to be commended for the innovation, sense of judgment, and the futuristic reforms in the commission.

“Aside from being a round peg in a round hole, the appointment is an indication that hard work pays and it will usher in an unfettered commitment that will boost the nascent democracy.

“This appointment is a further step taken to discourage corruption in the electoral system as well as a step taken in the president’s usual manner of refining the system.’’

On December 14, 2021, President Muhammadu Buhari wrote to the Senate, seeking the confirmation of the nominees.

The Electoral Act had been further amended to provide an alternative for the holding of primaries by political parties against the direct primary clause that had been contentious.

(NAN)