KWARA PDP TAKES INEC TO COURT OVER CHANGES TO 2027 CANDIDATE LIST

The Peoples Democratic Party in Kwara State has approached the court to challenge the Independent National Electoral Commission over the alleged substitution of names submitted by the party for the 2027 general elections. The party is seeking judicial intervention over what it considers irregularities in the handling of its candidates’ names by the electoral commission.

The dispute centres on the list of candidates submitted to INEC by the PDP and subsequent changes allegedly made to some of the names. The party is contesting the substitutions and wants the court to determine whether the electoral body acted within the law in accepting or publishing the altered list.

The development has added another legal dimension to preparations for the 2027 elections in Kwara, where political parties are already positioning themselves for the various elective positions. The PDP is asking the court to protect its rights as a political party and ensure that the candidates duly nominated through its internal processes are the ones recognised for the election.

The case is expected to focus on the procedures governing the nomination and substitution of candidates, as well as the powers available to INEC after receiving party submissions. The PDP maintains that any changes to its candidates’ names must follow the provisions of the Electoral Act and other applicable regulations guiding the conduct of elections.

The suit could have implications for the affected candidates and the party’s preparations for the 2027 polls in Kwara State. Until the court determines the matter, the disputed names remain the subject of legal contention, with the PDP seeking an order that would compel INEC to recognise the candidates it says were properly nominated by the party.