INEC: We Do Not Nominate or Smuggle Candidates for Parties, to Probe Allegations

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refuted allegations made by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding the removal of candidates previously nominated by the party for the 2027 general election and their replacement with unknown individuals. NDC claimed that some of its candidates were taken off INEC's list and replaced by persons who were neither nominated nor authorized by the party, particularly in certain House of Assembly constituencies in Anambra State.

However, Adedayo Oketola, the Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, clarified that INEC cannot nominate candidates for political parties. The responsibility lies with the parties themselves, as mandated by the constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and other relevant laws. Oketola emphasized that the commission does not have the power to select candidates for political parties or replace a candidate nominated by a party with another individual.

He further explained that INEC's candidate nomination portal only receives candidate details from political parties through access credentials granted to them. The commission has been recording all activities on the portal, allowing them to trace the history of entries and establish the origin of any disputed names. Additionally, INEC published the names and biodata of 19 governorship candidates and their running mates contesting the 2027 general election in Bauchi State, displayed at the INEC office in Bauchi.

The list included candidates from various political parties, and supporters and officials of these parties were seen at the INEC office verifying the inclusion of their candidates in accordance with the commission's requirements and electoral laws.