2027: NDC Raises Alarm, Accuses INEC Of Replacing Party Candidates With Unknown Names

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised concerns over the alleged substitution of some of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of uploading names that were not authorised by the party.

The party specifically alleged that 10 individuals were listed by INEC as its candidates for various constituencies in the Anambra State House of Assembly, despite not emerging from the party’s recognised nomination process.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, disclosed the development in a statement, describing the publication of the names as unacceptable and calling for an immediate investigation by the electoral commission.

Zuwoghe maintained that the individuals listed were not the candidates submitted by the party following its primaries and subsequent appeal process. He alleged that the development had created confusion among party members, supporters and genuine candidates.

The NDC chairman called on the INEC leadership to investigate how the disputed names were uploaded to its candidate portal. He also urged the commission to extend the investigation to Benue and Imo states, where the party claimed to have noticed similar concerns.

Zuwoghe said the party had concluded its internal nomination process and submitted what it considered the authentic list of candidates to INEC. According to him, while several names were successfully uploaded, some positions were reportedly placed on pending status because the commission’s records contained different names allegedly supplied by officials who monitored the primaries.

The party subsequently challenged the disputed entries and submitted the details of its preferred candidates, but Zuwoghe alleged that the necessary corrections were not made.

He further alleged that INEC officials bypassed the party by obtaining Form EC-9 directly from some of the disputed individuals before listing them as NDC candidates.

Zuwoghe argued that the electoral commission had no authority to impose candidates on a political party, insisting that where there was a disagreement between a party’s submission and the reports of electoral officials, the matter should have been properly resolved rather than allowing unauthorised names to appear on the official candidate list.

He said the controversy had embarrassed the party and caused concern among its supporters, while warning that the NDC would seek legal redress if the disputed names were not removed.

The NDC chairman stated that the party was prepared to approach a competent court to challenge the alleged substitutions and secure the recognition of its authentic candidates for the affected constituencies.

He urged members of the public and NDC supporters to disregard the disputed names, insisting that the individuals listed by INEC were not the candidates officially recognised by the party.

The allegations have added another layer of controversy to preparations for the 2027 elections, with the NDC demanding clarification from INEC and calling for urgent steps to resolve the dispute.