2027: INEC denies smuggling candidates, probes NDC alteration claims

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has challenged the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to present evidence that INEC replaced any of its nominated candidates for the 2027 general elections. Mr Adedayo Oketola, the chief press secretary to INEC Chairman, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja. Oketola clarified that the NDC's allegations are specific to certain State House of Assembly constituencies in Anambra.

Oketola described the allegation as serious and capable of objective verification from the commission's electronic and documentary records. He urged the NDC to provide evidence if they have any implicating INEC officials in unauthorized interference with the candidate nomination process. Oketola emphasized that INEC does not nominate candidates for political parties, and the nomination responsibility lies with the parties themselves.

He explained that the commission's candidate nomination portal serves as the platform for political parties to submit their candidates using provided access credentials. Oketola clarified that INEC's monitoring of a political party primary does not involve the nomination of a candidate by the commission. Instead, it serves the purpose of ensuring the primary adheres to statutory requirements prescribed by law.

The commission reiterated its impartial role in administering the electoral process, and political parties must comply with the law and prescribed timelines in their nomination processes.