INEC opens probe into ‘unknown’ NDC candidates on 2027 election list

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced an investigation into how names allegedly unknown to the Nigeria Democratic Congress appeared on the party’s candidate list for the 2027 general elections.

The development followed a complaint by the NDC that candidates it did not nominate or approve were uploaded as its flag bearers in some State House of Assembly constituencies in Anambra State.

INEC, while denying any involvement in replacing candidates, said it was reviewing its electronic and documentary records to establish the source of the disputed names.

The commission’s Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, said the investigation would determine how the names appeared on the candidate nomination portal.

He explained that INEC does not nominate candidates for political parties, adding that the responsibility rests solely with parties in line with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026 and relevant guidelines.

“For the avoidance of doubt, INEC does not nominate candidates for political parties. The nomination of candidates is the responsibility of political parties,” Oketola said.

According to him, the commission’s candidate nomination portal records all activities carried out by political parties through access credentials provided to them.

He said the audit trail would make it possible to trace the history and source of any candidate entry on the platform.

“It is therefore possible to establish objectively the history and source of entries relating to any candidate whose name appears on the portal,” he said.

The NDC had accused INEC officials of publishing names that were not submitted or authorised by the party, describing the development as an attempt to undermine its candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party alleged that nine names unknown to it were uploaded as its candidates for some constituencies in the Anambra State House of Assembly.

The affected constituencies include Onitsha South 1, Onitsha South 2, Orumba North, Anaocha 1, Idemili North, Njikoka 1, Nnewi South 1, Nnewi South 2, Ayamelum and Dunukofia.

NDC National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, said the situation was particularly disturbing because Anambra is the home state of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The party called on INEC Chairman to investigate the matter and determine how the names appeared on its candidate list.

Responding to the allegation, Oketola said claims that INEC officials “smuggled” candidates into the party’s list could only be established through the commission’s records.

He urged the NDC to provide evidence and details of any officials allegedly involved in unauthorised interference with its nomination process.

Oketola added that any credible allegation of misconduct against an INEC official would be investigated.

He maintained that the commission had no interest in the choice of candidates presented by political parties and would continue to administer the electoral process impartially.

“The commission will neither nominate candidates for political parties nor lend itself to the imposition of candidates on any political party,” he said.