INEC REJECTS CLAIMS OF REPLACING NDC CANDIDATES AHEAD OF 2027 POLLS

The Independent National Electoral Commission has denied allegations that it replaced candidates nominated by the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the 2027 general elections.

The commission said it has no legal authority to independently nominate or substitute candidates for political parties, stressing that the responsibility for selecting candidates rests with the parties themselves.

The clarification followed allegations by the NDC that some of its candidates had been removed and replaced on the INEC portal without the party’s authorisation.

INEC described the allegation as false, maintaining that its role is limited to receiving and processing the names of candidates submitted by political parties in accordance with the Electoral Act and established electoral guidelines.

The commission explained that candidates are uploaded to its nomination portal based on information submitted by the relevant political parties after their primaries and nomination processes.

It therefore rejected suggestions that INEC could independently alter the list of candidates submitted by a political party.

The controversy comes as political parties continue preparations for the 2027 general elections, with INEC already receiving candidate information from parties contesting various elective positions.

The NDC had raised concerns over alleged changes to some of the names it submitted, prompting the electoral body to clarify its position and explain the limits of its constitutional and legal responsibilities.

INEC reiterated that political parties remain responsible for conducting their primaries, selecting candidates and submitting the names of those who emerged from the processes.

The commission's role includes verifying the submissions and ensuring that candidates meet the requirements prescribed by law before their particulars are published.

The development comes against the backdrop of growing disputes within several political parties over candidate selection, substitutions and the uploading of names on INEC's electronic nomination portal.

Earlier in August, the NDC confirmed that it had completed the electronic upload of its candidates for the 2027 elections. The party was among the major political organisations that submitted candidates through the INEC portal ahead of the deadline.

INEC has previously stated that its portal is designed to accept candidates who emerge through properly conducted party primaries and whose names are submitted in accordance with the electoral timetable.

The commission has also maintained that where parties seek to substitute candidates, they must follow the procedures and timelines established under the Electoral Act and INEC's regulations.

The latest clarification is therefore expected to ease concerns among NDC members and supporters who feared that changes allegedly made to the candidate list could affect their participation in the forthcoming elections.

However, the dispute highlights the growing importance of candidate management as political parties move deeper into preparations for the 2027 polls.

With political competition expected to intensify in the coming months, disagreements over nominations, substitutions and candidate lists are likely to remain a major source of tension between political parties and their members.

INEC has urged political parties to comply with the electoral guidelines and use the appropriate channels to resolve any concerns regarding their submitted candidates.

The commission reiterated that it remains committed to conducting the 2027 elections in accordance with the law and ensuring that eligible candidates are given the opportunity to participate in the electoral process.