INEC Responds to NDC's Candidate Replacement Allegations

Mr. Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, addressed allegations made by the NDC concerning the replacement of candidates in some State House of Assembly constituencies in Anambra. The NDC claimed that INEC replaced candidates nominated by the party with names unknown to them.

Oketola described these allegations as serious and stated that they could be objectively verified through INEC's electronic and documentary records. He urged the NDC to provide evidence implicating any INEC officials in unauthorized interference with the candidate nomination process.

Oketola clarified that INEC 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. He explained that the candidate nomination portal is the platform for parties to submit candidate particulars, which are electronically recorded and verifiable.

Oketola asserted that any credible allegations of misconduct would be investigated according to established procedures.