2027: INEC probes source of ‘strange’ names in NDC list

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is investigating the source of unnamed individuals appearing on the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidates' list for the 2027 general elections. This development followed allegations by the NDC that certain names, not authorized or submitted to INEC, were added to their candidate list in several Anambra State House of Assembly constituencies.

On Monday, INEC's Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, addressed the allegations in an interview with The PUNCH. Oketola emphasized that INEC does not have the authority to nominate candidates for political parties, nor can it replace validly nominated candidates with others. He underscored that political parties are responsible for nominating and submitting their candidates, with INEC's role being to administer the electoral process in line with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and other applicable regulations.

Oketola stated that the candidate nomination portal provided by INEC is the platform for political parties to submit their candidates, and all actions on this portal are electronically recorded. He affirmed that INEC's actions could be verified through their records and audit trails, thereby disproving any claims of INEC officials introducing or "smuggling" candidates into the NDC's list.

Furthermore, Oketola clarified that INEC's monitoring of political party primaries does not confer the commission any power to choose candidates for the party. He also noted that any disputes over candidate selection should be resolved within the framework of the Electoral Act 2026 and other applicable laws. Regarding the specific allegation by the NDC concerning the acquisition of Form EC9 from individual aspirants without the party's authorization, Oketola described it as particularly serious.

However, he stated that the allegation could be objectively verified from INEC's electronic and documentary records. Oketola urged the NDC to provide evidence and details of any officials involved in unauthorized interference with the candidate nomination process. He assured that any credible allegation of misconduct against an INEC official would be investigated according to established procedures.

The commission reiterated its responsibility to administer the electoral process impartially and in accordance with the constitution, the Electoral Act, and other regulations, without any institutional interest in the choice of candidates by political parties.