A non-profit initiative, YVote Naija has commended the Senate for rejecting the nomination of Lauretta Onochie as a Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
According to the Chairman of the INEC Committee in the Senate, Kabiru Gaya, in his report presented during Tuesday’s plenary, Onochie did not satisfy the provisions of the Federal Character Principles.
The Senate at the committee of the whole subsequently voted against her nomination.
Reacting to the rejection, YVote Naija in a statement by its convener said, “However, YVote Naija believes this is only the first step in the demands of Nigerians. The ongoing review of the electoral act has come under scrutiny due to the insertion of some proposed provisions.
“Before now, the Senate reversed the proposed section 50(2) prohibiting INEC from conducting electronic transmission of election results from polling units. Yet, there are still more.”
On the proposed increase in fund spend during elections, Abideen stated, “Nigerians expected this bill to mitigate the influence of money on the electoral process by reducing spending limits. Unfortunately, section 88 of the bill has proposed a significant increase in political parties’ spending on campaigns.
“While we understand the need for an increase, the proposed increase is outrageous. For example, the twenty-five-fold increase to the limits for the gubernatorial candidate means that political parties are more likely to nominate candidates they consider to be capable financially. This is not good for our politics as it allows the highest bidder and not on merit.”
Abideen, on preventing INEC from reviewing and correcting declared results, said, “We believe this law will enable politicians to pressure electoral officials to make false declarations. INEC officials should be allowed to review results and correct anomalies whenever necessary.
“We call on the Assembly’s leadership, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, and Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, to protect the integrity of the electoral commission. We believe every amendment to the electoral law must improve the electoral process. This is the demand of Nigerians which the National Assembly must fulfill.”