The body that was charged to act as umpire in the political process leading to the fourth republic is called ......... commission.

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the body that acted as umpire (referee) in the transition to the Fourth Republic (1999). So we need the electoral body that conducted the elections in 1998-1999.

Step 2: Recall the concept Nigeria has had different electoral bodies in each republic:

• First Republic: Federal Electoral Commission (FEC)
• Second Republic (1979): Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO)
• Third Republic (aborted): National Electoral Commission (NEC)
• Transition to the Fourth Republic (1998-1999): Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), established in 1998 under General Abdulsalami Abubakar's regime. It conducted the local government, state, and national elections that brought in President Olusegun Obasanjo on 29 May 1999.

Step 3: Eliminate the options

• A. Federal Electoral: this is FEDECO, Second Republic. Wrong.
• B. Federal Character: this is a different body, which deals with equitable representation in appointments. Wrong.
• C. Independent Federal Electoral: no such body existed. Wrong.
• D. Independent National Electoral: this is INEC. Correct.
• E. National Electoral: this is NEC, from the Third Republic transition. Wrong.

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is D. Independent National Electoral commission (INEC).

Tip: Remember the progression of names: FEDECO → NEC → INEC. The word "Independent" appears only from the Fourth Republic onward, so whenever a question mentions 1998/1999 or the present democratic era, think INEC.