PDP, ANPP Hail Jega’s Nomination As INEC Chairman

The Peoples Democratic Party  (PDP) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) have  hailed the nomination of Prof. Attahiru Jega as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

A statement signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Rufai Alkali, in Abuja on Wednesday, commended President Goodluck Jonathan and the members of National Council of  States for what it described as a “perfect choice’’.

The statement described Jega as an “erudite scholar, an accomplished administrator and a deeply committed patriot with a track record of integrity and national service”.

The party urged Jega to bring his wealth of experience as a notable political scientist to bear at this critical moment in the evolution of Nigeria’s democracy.

“By this choice of a neutral umpire, who was a member of the Justice Uwais Committee, the President has clearly demonstrated his commitment to enhancing the integrity of the electoral process,” the PDP stated.

It, however, called on the Senate to confirm the nomination of Jega and the new commissioners to give them enough time to prepare for the forthcoming general elections.

The ANPP in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Emma Eneukwu. stated that the choice of Jega was a divine intervention to revive what it called the “dead and decaying electoral body” in the country.

The ANPP urged that this choice must be translated to a committed, dedicated, transparent and honest electoral body.

“ANPP wishes to congratulate Prof. Attahiru Jega on his appointment and expect him to write his name in gold in the electoral history of Nigeria.

“ANPP and indeed the entire true democracy loving Nigerians expect great positive changes from INEC under his able leadership,” it stated

The party stated that Jega’s experience as a member of the Electoral Reform Committee constituted by the former President Musa Yar’ Adua would help in the discharge of his duty.

“His role as the ASUU President yielded much dividends and his membership in the past in so many sensitive committees including Vision 20-20-20, National Working Group on Niger Delta and Regional Development between May and July 2009 distinguished his leadership skills,” it stated.

Furthermore, Jega’s radical instinct was expected to deliver positive change in Nigeria electoral system, the statement said.

ANNP called on Jega to be mindful of what it described as “rigging machineries and tactics that characterised past elections in the country”.

“Those crook means of victory at polls should be dismantled without any further delay,” it said.

ANPP also called on him to maintain his good record and live above board by conducting a free and fair election for the country in 2011.