NDC Accuses INEC of Candidate Replacement Ahead of 2027

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of replacing some of its officially nominated candidates with individuals unknown to the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, made this allegation in a statement on Sunday, following INEC's publication of candidates for the 2027 State Houses of Assembly elections.

Cleopas urged the INEC chairman to investigate how these disputed names appeared on the commission's list. He indicated that the party had requested INEC to extend its investigation to Benue and Imo states, where similar issues were reported.

After completing its primaries and appeals process, the NDC had submitted a final list of candidates, which was signed and uploaded to the INEC portal. However, INEC allegedly placed nine names on "Pending" status and later collected Form EC-9 from the disputed candidates without involving the NDC.

Cleopas stated that the party would pursue legal action to restore its authentic candidates.