INEC Denies NDC's Claims on Candidate Replacement for 2027

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refuted claims made by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding the removal of its nominated candidates for the 2027 general elections in Anambra State. NDC National Chairman Moses Zuwoghe accused INEC of uploading unauthorized names as candidates for certain State House of Assembly constituencies.

INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, stated that the commission does not have the legal authority to nominate or substitute candidates for political parties. He emphasized that candidate nominations are the responsibility of political parties, which must comply with the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2026.

Oketola explained that INEC administers the electoral process and that all candidate submissions are electronically recorded for verification. He also clarified that monitoring party primaries does not equate to INEC nominating candidates.

The allegations made by the NDC were described as speculative, with Oketola asserting that the electronic records would clarify the situation.