Despite denying allegiance to the All Progressives Congress, (APC), an old tweet has now emerged indicating that the Personal Assistant on Social Media to the President, Lauretta Onochie, supported and promoted the party in 2020, contrary to her claim that she had quit partisan politics in 2019.
Recall that Ms. Onochie, on Thursday, appeared before the Senate Committee on INEC, which screened her for the position of national commissioner for the electoral umpire.
She was nominated for the position by President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2020. If confirmed, she will represent Delta State and by extension, the South-south geo-political zone on the Commission.
However, her nomination has triggered outrage among Nigerians with many describing it as unconstitutional.
During her screening exercise, the presidential aide claimed she is not partisan anymore. Onochie, who said she is out of politics, described herself as “madam due process.” However, according to reports, which have been circulating on social media, Ms. Onochie’s claim is false.
At the screening, members of the panel were divided. While some questioned her integrity with regards to petitions written against her and an affidavit she swore declaring her membership of the party, others believed her past should not be used against her.
Reacting to Onochie’s denial during the screening exercise, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), derided the APC and Ms. Onochie for denying her life in a desperation to be appointed INEC National Commissioner.
The PDP, therefore, urged the Senate panel to stand on the side of the constitution and the sanctity of Nigeria’s electoral process by rejecting outright Onochie’s nomination , insisting that allowing her anywhere near INEC would pollute INEC as well as the conduct of elections by the Commission.
The committee is expected to present its report to the Senate on another legislative day. The report will contain recommendations either confirming or rejecting the appointments of Ms. Onochie and the other nominees.
