The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed allegations by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) that it ‘smuggled’ and substituted the party’s validly nominated candidates for State House of Assembly seats in Anambra and Benue States.
In a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), the Commission described the claims as ‘unfounded.’
‘The Commission has noted a statement by the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) alleging that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) removed the party’s validly nominated candidates for certain State House of Assembly constituencies in Anambra and Benue States and replaced them with unauthorised names. The Commission states that these allegations are unfounded,’ the statement said.
INEC said it has no legal power to select, insert or substitute candidates for any political party.
‘Candidate nomination is, by law, the exclusive responsibility of political parties. INEC has no legal authority to select, insert, or substitute a candidate for any party. Monitoring a party’s primary is a statutory oversight function only and confers no power on INEC to choose or impose a candidate,’ Haruna stated.
The Commission explained the process used for candidate nomination ahead of the 2027 elections.
‘Ahead of the 2027 election, all 22 registered parties designated two technically trained officers to handle their nomination process, following training organised by the Commission. Thereafter, the portal access codes were issued directly and in person to each party’s National Chairman, and not by proxy,’ it said.
‘List of candidates were generated for each party as submitted by the party jointly signed by the National Chairmen and National Secretaries of the party, making the submission in Form EC9 series (A-G). Therefore any claim that the Commission independently uploaded or altered candidate information is unfounded and untrue.’
According to INEC, it is in possession of the NDC’s duly signed nomination forms.
‘As a matter of fact, the Commission has in its possession, Form EC9E where these candidates were listed and submitted to the Commission duly signed by the National Chairman and the National Secretary of the party,’ the statement added.
INEC reiterated its commitment to transparency and fairness ahead of the 2027 general election.
‘The Commission remains committed to transparency, accountability and providing a level playing field for all stakeholders in the electoral process.’