INEC Audits Records Over NDC Candidate Controversy

On September 1, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) initiated a review of its electronic and documentary records to address allegations from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) concerning unauthorized candidates listed for the 2027 general elections. The NDC claimed that individuals not nominated or authorized by the party were substituted on its candidate list, particularly impacting several State House of Assembly constituencies in Anambra State.

INEC's Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, clarified that the commission does not nominate candidates for political parties, which is the responsibility of the parties themselves, in compliance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2026. Oketola emphasized that INEC's role is limited to administering the electoral process and that all candidate submissions are electronically recorded, allowing for an audit trail.

He also stated that INEC officials' presence at party primaries does not grant the commission authority over candidate selection, and disputes must be resolved according to the Electoral Act.