The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has challenged the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to provide evidence backing its allegation that the Commission tampered with the party’s list of candidates for the 2027 general election.
The electoral body described the allegation as false, following claims by the NDC that some candidates it nominated were removed and replaced with names allegedly not recognised by the party, particularly in some State House of Assembly constituencies in Anambra State.
INEC, through the Chief Press Secretary to its Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, clarified that the Commission does not nominate candidates for political parties.
According to the electoral body, political parties are responsible for selecting and nominating their candidates, subject to the provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026 and other relevant regulations and guidelines.
INEC said it was particularly concerned by the NDC’s allegation that its officials obtained Form EC9 directly from individual aspirants or candidates and uploaded their details without the party’s authorisation.
The Commission therefore called on the NDC to identify any INEC official allegedly involved in such unauthorised conduct and submit supporting evidence to enable investigation.
INEC assured the party that any credible complaint of misconduct involving its officials would be investigated in line with established procedures.
The Commission maintained that political parties remain responsible for their candidate nomination processes, while INEC’s role is to receive and process nominations in accordance with the law.
