The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied allegations that it removed the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)’s candidates for the 2027 Anambra State House of Assembly elections and replaced them with “impostors”.
The NDC had on Sunday accused INEC of altering its list of nominated candidates, with Moses Zuwoghe, the party’s national chairman, alleging that 10 “strange names” appeared on the list published by the commission.
But Adedayo Oketola, chief press secretary to the INEC chairman, described the allegation as “serious” and said the commission has no legal authority to nominate candidates for political parties.
Speaking to newsmen on Monday, Oketola said the responsibility for nominating candidates rests with political parties, subject to the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026 and other applicable laws, regulations and guidelines.
“The Commission does not possess the legal authority to select a candidate for a political party or substitute its own preferred candidate for a person validly nominated by a political party in accordance with the law,” Oketola said.
He said political parties submit candidates’ particulars through INEC’s candidate nomination portal using access credentials issued for that purpose.
According to him, every submission made through the portal is electronically recorded, allowing the commission to verify the history and source of entries relating to candidates whose names appear on the system.
Oketola said the NDC’s allegation should not be determined through speculation, stressing that INEC’s electronic and documentary records can establish the facts.
INEC: Monitoring primaries does not mean choosing candidates
The INEC spokesperson also clarified that the commission’s role in monitoring political party primaries is separate from the responsibility of parties to nominate and submit their candidates.
He said reports prepared by officials who monitor party primaries do not give INEC the power to choose candidates for political parties.
“INEC cannot assume the role of a political party in choosing its candidates, nor can it disregard applicable statutory requirements governing the nomination and submission of candidates,” he said.
Oketola added that any credible allegation of misconduct by an INEC official would be investigated in line with established procedures.
He said INEC has no institutional interest in determining which candidates political parties choose.
The spokesperson also said political parties are responsible for ensuring that their nomination processes, internal appeals, submission of candidates and use of INEC’s candidate nomination portal comply with the law and prescribed timelines.
“The Commission will neither nominate candidates for political parties nor lend itself to the imposition of candidates on any political party,” Oketola said.
He added that legitimate concerns over the candidate nomination process would be addressed using INEC’s records and the applicable law.
