INEC Rejects NDC Claims of Candidate Substitution in Anambra, Benue

Allegations that the Independent National Electoral Commission removed and replaced State House of Assembly candidates fielded by the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Anambra and Benue states have been firmly rejected by INEC ahead of the 2027 elections. NDC National Chairman Cleopas Zuwoghe had accused the commission of engaging in systematic swaps, replacing legitimately nominated candidates with persons unfamiliar to party leadership and labeling them "imposters." INCE's Mohammed Kudu Haruna, who chairs the Information and Voter Education Committee, responded formally by dismissing the NDC allegations as untrue and unfounded.

According to INEC, political parties—not the commission—bear sole responsibility for candidate nomination. The commission contended that candidates in question had appeared on Form EC9E paperwork submitted to it, bearing the signatures of both the NDC's National Chairman and National Secretary.

According to INEC, the commission neither independently uploaded nor altered candidate details appearing on its nomination portal. Training officers who assisted the party's submission procedures represented the extent of the commission's involvement in the nomination process, INEC stated.

Along with this clarification, the commission reaffirmed its dedication to transparency and maintaining a fair electoral environment for all stakeholders. At the heart of the disagreement lies the question of whether candidate identities underwent changes between the party's initial submission and official registration.

INEC's account holds that names in its records correspond precisely to those submitted by the NDC via proper channels. The commission has refrained from disclosing particular candidate names or the total quantity of contested positions, choosing to focus on procedural responsibility instead.