The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied allegations by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) that it removed the party’s nominated candidates and replaced them with names unknown to the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commission said it has no legal authority to nominate candidates for political parties or substitute candidates validly nominated in accordance with the law.
The clarification followed allegations by the NDC over the list of candidates published by INEC for the 2027 State Houses of Assembly elections, particularly in Anambra State.
The NDC had accused INEC officials of uploading and publishing names that were not nominated or authorised by the party.
What INEC says
INEC’s Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, said candidate nomination remains the responsibility of political parties.
He explained that parties submit their candidates through INEC’s nomination portal using access credentials provided by the commission.
According to Oketola, activities carried out on the portal are electronically recorded, making it possible to trace the history and source of entries relating to candidates whose names appear on the platform.
He said allegations that INEC officials “smuggled” candidates into the NDC list should be determined through electronic and documentary evidence.
INEC also clarified that its officials’ role in monitoring political party primaries does not give the commission the power to determine who emerges as a party’s candidate.
The commission said disputes arising from party primaries, appeals or subsequent attempts to alter candidate lists must be resolved in line with the Electoral Act 2026 and other applicable regulations.
What the NDC alleges
The NDC had accused INEC of removing some of the candidates it nominated and publishing names that were neither submitted nor authorised by the party.
NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Zuwoghe, said the alleged substitutions were particularly concerning in Anambra State, the home state of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The party identified 10 names it said appeared on INEC’s list as its candidates for various State House of Assembly constituencies in Anambra State, despite the party maintaining that they were not its nominated candidates.
The affected constituencies include Onitsha South 1, Onitsha South 2, Orumba North, Anaocha 1, Idemili North, Njikoka 1, Nnewi South, Nnewi South 2, Ayamelum and Dunukofia.
Zuwoghe alleged that the NDC had completed its primaries and appeal process and produced a final list of candidates before submitting it through the INEC portal.
He further alleged that some names were subsequently placed on “Pending” status and that the commission later published names the party said it had not submitted.
The NDC chairman also alleged that INEC officials obtained Form EC-9 directly from some of the disputed individuals and uploaded their details without going through the party.
He described the development as an attempt to undermine the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
INEC demands evidence
INEC said the allegations can be verified through its electronic and documentary records.
The commission urged the NDC to provide evidence and details of any officials allegedly involved in unauthorised interference with the party’s candidate list.
INEC said it would examine relevant records concerning the constituencies identified by the NDC and investigate credible allegations of misconduct.
The commission maintained that it has no institutional interest in determining which candidates political parties field for elections.
What happens next?
The NDC has said it will pursue the matter through legal channels and approach a court to seek redress and the restoration of what it describes as its authentic candidates.
The dispute comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
For voters in the affected constituencies, the dispute could determine which candidates ultimately appear on the ballot and who represents the parties in the election.
The issue is therefore expected to remain a matter of public interest as INEC, the NDC and, potentially, the courts address the disputed candidate lists.
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