The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied allegations by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) that it removed the party’s nominated candidates and replaced them with names allegedly unknown to the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The dispute centres mainly on candidates listed for various Anambra State House of Assembly constituencies, where the NDC alleged that 10 names published by INEC were not authorised or submitted by the party.

The NDC had accused INEC officials of uploading the names of alleged “impostors” to its candidate list and called for an investigation into the matter.

However, INEC’s Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, said the commission does not have the legal authority to nominate candidates for political parties or substitute candidates validly nominated by a party.

According to Oketola, political parties are responsible for nominating their candidates and submitting their details through INEC’s candidate nomination portal using credentials provided to them.

He explained that activities on the portal are electronically recorded, meaning the commission’s records and audit trails can be used to establish how and when the disputed names were submitted.

INEC also clarified that its role in monitoring political party primaries does not amount to selecting candidates for the parties.

The commission said it would scrutinise its electronic and documentary records relating to the constituencies identified by the NDC to establish how the disputed names came to appear on the portal.

INEC further challenged the NDC to provide any evidence implicating its officials in unauthorised interference with the party’s nomination process, promising that credible allegations of misconduct would be investigated.

The commission maintained that it has no interest in determining which candidates political parties field for elections and would administer the electoral process in accordance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026 and relevant regulations.

The controversy comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, with candidate nomination and verification forming a critical part of the electoral timetable.