INEC Challenges NDC Over Alleged Candidate ‘Smuggling’, Demands Evidence

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has challenged the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to produce evidence to support its allegation that commission officials manipulated the party’s candidate list ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The NDC had alleged that some candidates were unlawfully inserted into its list for certain State House of Assembly constituencies in Anambra State.

But INEC rejected the allegation, insisting that political parties are responsible for choosing and submitting their candidates, while the commission’s role is limited to administering elections and monitoring party primaries.

INEC’s Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, stated this while addressing journalists in Abuja.

According to Oketola, INEC has no legal power to nominate candidates for political parties or replace individuals validly nominated by a party in line with the law.

He said the candidate nomination process is conducted by political parties through the commission’s electronic nomination portal using access credentials issued to them.

“All activities on the portal are electronically recorded,” Oketola said, explaining that the records can establish when entries were made and trace their source.

He consequently urged the NDC and other interested parties to examine the available electronic and documentary records rather than rely on allegations or speculation.

‘INEC Cannot Choose Candidates’

Oketola said the commission’s presence at a party primary should not be interpreted as an authority to determine the winner or select a party’s candidate.

He explained that INEC monitors primaries as part of its statutory responsibilities but does not take over the internal nomination functions of political parties.

According to him, disputes over the conduct or outcome of primaries, appeals and subsequent attempts to modify nominations must be handled within the framework of the Electoral Act 2026 and other applicable laws.

He maintained that the commission could neither select candidates nor impose its preferred candidates on political parties.

Form EC9 Allegation

On the NDC’s specific claim that some INEC officials obtained Form EC9 directly from individual aspirants and uploaded their information without the party’s approval, Oketola said the allegation would be examined.

He, however, urged the party to identify any INEC official it believes was involved and provide evidence to support the claim.

“Any credible allegation of misconduct by an official of the commission will be investigated in accordance with established procedures,” he said.

The commission reiterated that it had no stake in determining which candidates emerge from political parties.

Oketola said INEC remained committed to administering the electoral process impartially and in accordance with the Constitution, Electoral Act and relevant regulations.

He also reminded political parties that they bear responsibility for ensuring that their nomination processes, internal appeals and submission of candidates through the commission’s portal comply with statutory requirements and deadlines.

The commission said it would continue to address genuine complaints about the nomination process based on verifiable records and the provisions of the law.

“The commission will neither nominate candidates for political parties nor lend itself to the imposition of candidates on any political party,” Oketola said.