The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has rejected allegations by the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, that it removed the party’s nominated candidates for some State House of Assembly constituencies in Anambra and Benue states and replaced them with unauthorised names.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Mohammed Haruna, the commission said it has no legal authority to select, insert or substitute candidates for political parties, stressing that the nomination and submission of candidates are the exclusive responsibilities of the parties.
INEC said its monitoring of party primaries is limited to its statutory oversight role and does not empower it to choose, impose or replace candidates. The commission therefore advised the NDC to hold its National Chairman and National Secretary accountable for any discrepancies in the candidates submitted to the electoral body.
The clarification followed allegations by the NDC that INEC had systematically removed its candidates for the 2027 general elections and replaced them with names unknown to the party.
INEC dismissed the claims as unfounded, maintaining that political parties are responsible for the candidates they nominate and submit for elections.
