The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of replacing some of the candidates it nominated for the 2027 elections with people the party says it did not select.
The allegation was made on Sunday by the NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, following INEC’s publication of candidates for the 2027 State Houses of Assembly elections.
The party said the problem was particularly serious in Anambra State, where it alleged that several names unknown to its leadership appeared on the electoral commission’s list as NDC candidates.
Zuwoghe called on INEC to urgently investigate how the disputed names were uploaded and published. He also asked the commission to examine similar complaints from other states, including Benue and Imo.
According to the NDC chairman, the development has created confusion within the party and caused concern among its supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party claimed that 10 names appearing on the INEC list for different constituencies in Anambra were not part of the candidates approved through its internal nomination process.
The disputed names were listed for constituencies including Onitsha South 1 and 2, Orumba North, Anaocha 1, Idemili North, Njikoka 1, Nnewi South 1 and 2, Ayamelum and Dunukofia.
Zuwoghe said the NDC had completed its primaries and appeal process before producing what it described as its final list of candidates. He said the list was agreed upon by party stakeholders, representatives of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and members of the appeals panel.
He explained that the approved list was later submitted through the INEC portal using the access details provided to the party by the electoral commission.
However, according to the NDC chairman, some names were left pending on the portal despite the party submitting its final candidates. He claimed INEC officials told the party that the disputed names were already in the commission’s system based on information supplied by officials who monitored the party’s primaries.
The NDC said it objected to the disputed names and submitted the identities of the candidates it recognised as its legitimate nominees.
The party alleged that the electoral commission still proceeded to publish the disputed names after obtaining the required candidate forms directly from the individuals involved.
Zuwoghe said the situation was unacceptable because, in his view, INEC should have sought clarification from the party if there was a disagreement over the candidates instead of publishing names the party claimed it did not nominate.
The NDC further alleged that the issue may not be limited to Anambra, saying similar concerns had emerged in other parts of the country.
The party accused INEC officials of creating difficulties for opposition parties by allegedly preventing them from uploading their preferred candidates while allowing other names to appear on official lists.
The NDC said it had started its own investigation into the matter and would pursue all available legal options to resolve the dispute.
The party also urged its members and supporters not to recognise the disputed names as its candidates, insisting that it would work to ensure that the candidates produced through its legitimate nomination process are restored to the electoral list.
The development comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with the publication of candidates marking another major stage in the electoral process.
The NDC said it would approach the courts if necessary to challenge the disputed entries and seek an order directing INEC to recognise the candidates officially nominated by the party.