PDP demands rejection of APC operative Lauretta Onochie as INEC commissioner
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Wednesday stormed the National Assembly in protest, demanding that Lauretta Onochie be rejected as National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
President Muhammadu Buhari, had in October 2020 nominated Ms Onochie, a card carrying member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as commissioners of INEC in violation of the Constitution.
The National Chariman of the opposition party, Uche Secondus, led leaders of the party in protest against Ms Onochie’s nomination which is before the Nigerian Senate for consideration.
“We are here to make the final point on total rejection of Lauretta Onochie,” Mr Secondus said. “She must be totally rejected by the National Assembly.”
Receiving the protesters at the National Assembly gate, Enyinnaya Abaribe, the Senate Minority leader, who is also a PDP member, reassured members of the opposition party that their demands will be looked into.
Though the partisan Ms Onochie has been widely condemned as unfit to be an INEC commissioner, Mr Lawan on June 9 directed the senate committee on INEC to proceed with her screening with a view to confirming her appointment as a high ranking official of the electoral body.
The provision of the Constitution states that appointees of the electoral body must be non-partisan and must not be affiliated to any political party.
Section 14(2a) of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, have that “a member of the commission shall be non-partisan and a person of unquestionable integrity.”
Also, Section 14(3b) of the Schedule adds that “there shall be for each state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja, a Resident Electoral Commissioner who shall be a person of unquestionable integrity and shall not be a member of any political party,” a provision that does not exclude the appointment of Resident Electoral Commissioners.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 5
Commonwealth Games: Nigeria wins silver in men’s 4x100m, Usoro claims long jump silver
Team Nigeria concluded day nine of the 2026 Commonwealth Games with one gold, two silver medals and one bronze medal.
States
Soludo’s wife advocates healthy lifestyles to reduce lung cancer
The governor’s wife called on Nigerians to prioritise early detection of lung cancer and adopt healthy lifestyles.
Heading 1
2027: INEC publishes Tinubu, Atiku, Obi’s credentials
The documents, displayed in Form EC9 at INEC offices nationwide, contained the candidates’ educational qualifications, work history, and affidavits, among others.
NationWide
Afrobeats can drive campaigns against drug abuse, human trafficking, says Marwa
Mr Marwa said Afrobeats, as a globally recognised music genre embraced by young people, possesses enormous potential to influence positive behaviour.
Africa
U.S. reaffirms recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara
Mr Trump said Washington remained firm in its position on the disputed territory.
Africa
WHO reports largest Ebola outbreak in DR Congo
The WHO said the outbreak had spread to five provinces, affecting 49 health zones, with sustained transmission, rising infections and increasing deaths reported nationwide.
