This follows the massive outcry that has followed her nomination, especially from members of the opposition and civil society organisations who claim she is a card-carrying member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Upper House, however, confirmed five other nominees, including Prof. Muhammad Sani Kallah, (Katsina), Prof. Kunle Ajayi (Ekiti), Saidu Ahmad (Jigawa), Dr Baba Bila (North-East) and Prof. Abdullahi Zuru (North-West).
Their confirmation followed the adoption of the report of the Committee on the screening of the INEC nominees at plenary on Tuesday.
According toNAN reports, Onochie’s nomination was rejected by the Senate for reasons bordering on potential violation of the Federal Character Principle.
Committee Chairman, Kabiru Gaya (APC-Kano), while presenting the report of the screening of the nominees, told the Senate that it was against the federal character principle to have two persons from the same state as INEC National Commissioner.
He cited the presence of Mrs May Agbamuche Mbu from Delta, as a National Commissioner of INEC, as the
Senate also stood down the confirmation of Prof. Sani Adam (North-Central) for further legislative work.