The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied allegations that it replaced candidates nominated by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) with unknown or unauthorised names in some constituencies in Anambra State.
INEC stressed that political parties are solely responsible for nominating candidates and uploading their details through the Commission’s candidate nomination portal.
The clarification followed an allegation by the NDC that INEC officials uploaded and published names that were neither approved nor submitted by the party as its candidates for some Anambra State House of Assembly constituencies.
INEC’s Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, said the Commission has no legal authority to nominate candidates for political parties or substitute candidates validly nominated by them.
He explained that parties use access credentials issued by INEC to submit candidates’ particulars, while activities on the portal are electronically recorded and can be verified through the Commission’s records and audit trail.
Oketola said allegations that INEC officials “smuggled” candidates into the NDC’s list should be determined through documentary and electronic evidence rather than speculation.
He also said INEC would examine the records of the specific constituencies identified by the NDC, particularly its claim that officials obtained Form EC9 directly from individual aspirants and uploaded their details without the party’s authorisation.
The Commission urged the NDC to provide evidence and details of any officials allegedly involved in unauthorised interference with its nomination process, promising that such claims would be investigated.
INEC maintained that it has no interest in determining which candidates political parties field, stressing that its responsibility is to administer the electoral process impartially and in accordance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and applicable regulations.
The Commission further reminded political parties that they are responsible for ensuring that their nomination processes, internal appeals, candidate submissions and use of the nomination portal comply with the law and prescribed timelines.
