RismadarVoice Reporters
September 1, 2026
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has dismissed allegations by the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, that it removed validly nominated candidates of the party and replaced them with unauthorised names in some State House of Assembly constituencies in Anambra and Benue States.
INEC described the allegations as unfounded, insisting that it has no constitutional or legal authority to select, insert or substitute candidates for political parties.
The Commission, in a statement issued on Monday by the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, stressed that candidate nomination remains the exclusive responsibility of political parties.
According to INEC, its role in monitoring party primaries is strictly a statutory oversight responsibility and does not give the Commission the power to impose candidates on any political party.
The Commission explained that ahead of the 2027 general election, all 22 registered political parties designated two technically trained officers to manage their nomination processes following training organised by INEC.
It said access codes to the nomination portal were subsequently issued directly and personally to the National Chairmen of the respective political parties and not through proxies.
INEC further stated that the lists of candidates submitted by political parties were jointly signed by their National Chairmen and National Secretaries through the appropriate Form EC9 series.
The Commission said it was therefore impossible for it to independently upload or alter candidate information as alleged by the NDC.
INEC added that it has in its possession Form EC9E containing the names of the disputed candidates, duly submitted and signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of the party.
The electoral umpire maintained that the documentary evidence in its possession clearly contradicts claims that it inserted or substituted candidates without the knowledge or approval of the party leadership.
“The Commission has no legal authority to select, insert or substitute a candidate for any political party,” the statement said.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the provision of a level playing field for all political parties and stakeholders as preparations continue for the 2027 general election.
