The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has dismissed an allegation by the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, that it replaced the names of the party’s duly nominated candidates with unauthorised individuals ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The electoral body described the allegation as “unfounded” and clarified that political parties, rather than the commission, have the responsibility of selecting and submitting candidates for elections.
The position was contained in a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee.
INEC explained that under the law, the power to nominate candidates rests exclusively with the political parties, stressing that the commission has no authority to determine who represents a party in an election.
The commission stated, “INEC does not have the legal power to choose, add, or replace a candidate for any party.”
According to INEC, its responsibility during party primaries is limited to monitoring the processes to ensure that they comply with relevant electoral laws and regulations. It said the monitoring role does not extend to selecting candidates on behalf of political parties.
The commission further disclosed that the 22 registered political parties participating in the 2027 elections had each designated two officials with the required expertise to oversee their respective candidate nomination processes.
It added that the designated party officials underwent training conducted by INEC before being granted access to the nomination portal.
According to the commission, access codes for the portal were issued directly to the national chairmen of the political parties rather than through third-party representatives.
INEC explained that the candidate information eventually reflected on its records was generated from submissions made by the respective political parties.
It said the lists were authenticated through the Form EC9 series and jointly signed by each party’s national chairman and national secretary.
The commission consequently rejected the suggestion that it had independently uploaded, altered or substituted information submitted by the NDC.
It said, “In fact, the Commission has a form called EC9E, which lists these candidates and was sent to the Commission. It was signed by the National Chairman and the National Secretary of the party.”
INEC urged political parties and other stakeholders to rely on established procedures and available documentation in addressing concerns relating to candidate nominations.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting the electoral process with transparency, accountability and fairness as preparations continue towards the 2027 general elections.
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