INEC has rejected allegations that its officials secretly replaced candidates submitted by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 elections, saying its electronic records can establish what happened.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed as false claims that its officials removed names of candidates nominated by the NDC and replaced them with individuals unknown to the party, particularly in some Anambra State House of Assembly constituencies.
The commission said the allegations were serious but stressed that they must be examined against the legal responsibilities of INEC and political parties in the candidate-nomination process.
INEC: Parties Choose Their Candidates
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, INEC Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, said candidate nomination is the responsibility of political parties, provided their processes comply with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026 and other applicable regulations and guidelines.
He said INEC has no legal authority to select a party’s candidate or replace a legitimately nominated candidate with one of its own choosing.
Political parties submit candidate information through INEC’s electronic nomination portal using credentials issued to them for that purpose.
According to the commission, actions carried out through the portal are electronically recorded, creating an audit trail that can be used to determine when and how candidate information was entered.
That record, INEC said, means allegations of unauthorised candidate substitution should be tested against documentary and electronic evidence rather than speculation.
What INEC’s Primary Monitoring Does—and Doesn’t Do
The commission also sought to clarify a distinction that can easily become blurred during disputes over party primaries.
INEC monitors political party primaries as required by law. That monitoring role does not give the commission the power to nominate candidates.
Likewise, a report produced by an INEC official who monitored a primary does not transfer the party’s nomination powers to the electoral commission.
Where disputes arise over who actually won a primary, whether an appeal affected the outcome, or whether a party subsequently attempted to alter its nomination, INEC said such matters must be determined within the framework of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws.
The commission said it cannot assume the role of a political party or disregard statutory requirements governing candidate nominations.
Allegation Over Form EC9
INEC described as particularly serious the NDC’s allegation that commission officials obtained Form EC9 directly from individual aspirants or candidates and uploaded their details without authorisation from the party.
The commission said this claim is also capable of being tested against its electronic and documentary records.
INEC said it would examine the records relating to the constituencies identified by the NDC.
It also challenged the party to submit any evidence it has of alleged misconduct, including details identifying officials who may have been involved.
Officials Could Face Investigation
The commission said any credible evidence implicating an INEC official in unauthorised interference with a political party’s nomination process would be investigated through established procedures.
At the same time, it stressed that the commission has no institutional interest in determining which candidate a political party chooses.
Its stated responsibility is to administer elections impartially and in accordance with the Constitution, electoral legislation and applicable regulations.
Parties Also Have Responsibilities
INEC said political parties must equally ensure that their own nomination processes are properly conducted.
That includes complying with legal requirements governing:
- party primaries;
- internal appeals;
- submission of candidates;
- use of the INEC nomination portal; and
- prescribed deadlines.
The commission said legitimate concerns about candidate nominations would be addressed using its records and the applicable law.
INEC’s position is unequivocal: it says it cannot nominate candidates for political parties and will not facilitate the imposition of candidates on any party.