INEC Rejects NDC Allegations of Unauthorized Candidate Replacements

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected allegations by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) that it removed the party's nominated candidates for the 2027 general elections and replaced them with unauthorized names, particularly in Anambra State. The dispute centers on the publication of candidate lists for State House of Assembly constituencies, with the NDC claiming that individuals unknown to the party were inserted into its slate.

The controversy emerged following INEC's publication of candidate lists for the 2027 elections. NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, alleged on August 30, 2026, that the discrepancies were especially pronounced in Anambra State, the home state of the party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi. The party identified ten disputed names for constituencies including Onitsha South 1, Onitsha South 2, Orumba North, Anaocha 1, Idemili North, Njikoka 1, Nnewi South, Nnewi South 2, Ayamelum, and Dunukofia.

Zuwoghe stated that after the NDC's primaries and internal appeals process, party stakeholders, leadership, and representatives of Peter Obi agreed on a final list of candidates. This list was uploaded to the INEC...