The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of allegedly removing candidates nominated by the party for the 2027 general elections and replacing their names with individuals it said were not authorised by the party.
The allegation followed the publication of INEC’s list of candidates for the State Houses of Assembly elections.
In a statement, NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, described the alleged substitution as a deliberate attempt to undermine the party and create divisions among its supporters ahead of the 2027 polls.
The party raised particular concern over the list published for constituencies in Anambra State, the home state of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Zuwoghe alleged that nine individuals whose names appeared on the list were neither nominated nor authorised by the party.
“The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, totally condemns the action of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its officials over the uploading and publication of unauthorised names in various constituencies, principally in the Anambra State House of Assembly, where nine names, unknown to the party; names not authorised by the party; names not sent by the party to INEC, in accordance with the law, have now been uploaded and published as candidates of the party,” he said.
The NDC chairman called on the INEC Chairman to order an immediate investigation into the process that led to the publication of the disputed names.
He further urged the electoral commission to extend the investigation to other states where the party alleged that similar discrepancies had occurred, including Benue and Imo.
According to the party, the alleged substitutions have caused confusion among its members and supporters while also creating uncertainty for candidates who claim to have been properly nominated.
“The same investigation should also be carried out in other constituencies like Benue, Imo and others, as this mischief has not only caused an embarrassment to the party, its leadership and genuine candidates, but has also caused a lot of disaffection among the millions of the party’s supporters all over the country and in the Diaspora,” the statement added.
The NDC called on INEC to urgently review the published list and correct any errors or unauthorised entries before the commencement of further electoral processes.
The party said it remained committed to participating in the 2027 elections and would continue to pursue all lawful avenues to protect the interests of its candidates and supporters.
