INEC Denies NDC's Claims of Candidate Replacement

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issued a statement on Tuesday, responding to allegations from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) that it unlawfully removed the party's validly nominated candidates in Anambra and Benue States ahead of the 2027 general elections. INEC Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, asserted that the claims are unfounded and untrue.

He clarified that INEC's role is limited to training officers designated by political parties and that the commission does not have the legal authority to alter candidate information. INEC emphasized that candidate nomination is solely the responsibility of political parties, and it only monitors primary elections without the power to select or impose candidates.

The commission confirmed that access codes for the nomination portal were issued directly to each party's National Chairman, and that the list of candidates was generated based on submissions signed by the party's National Chairmen and National Secretaries.