In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, July 2, the parties under the aegis of coalition of progressive political Parties, faulted the PDP for trying to encroach on the constitutional duties of President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint a head for the commission.
The group, according to Punch, described PDP’s opposition to Zakari’s appointment as dangerous and irresponsible, stating that it was not in the place of the party to decide for the country who becomes the INEC chairman.
“INEC is an independent election management body which must be insulated from politics and irresponsible politicking,” it said.
Adding that: “The power of and procedure for the appointment of the chairman of INEC is a constitutional matter and not subject of bargaining by political parties, especially those who are yet to come to terms with the fact that Nigeria is on a very strong change trajectory. INEC is also a regulator of political parties.
The group warned political to desist from interfering in the appointment of INEC officials so as to avoid creating unnecessary tension in the country.
It said it is a misnomer for political parties who should be under the commission to try to influence the appointment of the commission’s chairman.
Meanwhile, fresh opposition surfaced yesterday among the PDP stalwarts on the choice of who gets the position of the minority leader in the Senate arm of the 8th National Assembly.
The major objection reportedly came from the deputy Senate president, Ike Ekweremadu, and Patience Jonathan’s main man, Nyesom Wike, the Rivers state governor.
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