NDC Accuses INEC of Candidate Substitution for 2027 Elections

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are in conflict over the alleged substitution of candidates for the 2027 governorship and Assembly elections. NDC Chairman Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe accused INEC of publishing names of ten individuals as candidates for the Anambra State House of Assembly who were not part of the party's nomination process.

Zuwoghe stated that this action was embarrassing and part of a scheme to undermine the party's electoral chances. He identified the disputed candidates, including Umennaajiego Jude Ezenwa and Akpotue Obinna Chibuike, among others.

Zuwoghe asserted that the NDC had completed its primaries and submitted a final list to INEC, but claimed that INEC had altered this list by including unauthorized names. He further alleged that INEC collected Form EC-9 directly from these candidates, bypassing the party's official process, indicating a predetermined effort to impose candidates on the NDC.