The Nigeria Democratic Congress has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission of replacing some of its candidates with names the party did not submit for the 2027 elections.
The NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, made the allegation while reacting to INEC’s publication of candidates for the State Houses of Assembly elections.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Cleopas said the commission published names that the party did not authorise. He described the development as an attempt to undermine the NDC ahead of the 2027 general election.
NDC raises concerns over Anambra candidates
According to Cleopas, the alleged substitution was particularly noticeable in Anambra State. The state is also the home state of the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The party chairman said nine names published across various constituencies were unknown to the NDC. He added that the party neither nominated nor submitted the individuals to INEC.
“The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, totally condemns the action of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its officials over the uploading and publication of unauthorized names in various constituencies, principally in the Anambra State House of Assembly,” he said.
Cleopas called on the INEC chairman to investigate how the names appeared on the commission’s list.
He also urged the commission to check other states. This, he said, would help determine whether similar issues occurred elsewhere.
Party lists disputed candidates
The NDC chairman said the disputed names appeared in several constituencies across Anambra State.
They include Umennaajiego Jude Ezenwa for Onitsha South and Akpotue Obinna Chibuike for Onitsha South 2. Nwankwo Chiemerie was also listed for Orumba North.
Other names mentioned by the party include Maduagwu Eric for Anaocha 1 and Ngoebisi Obinna for Idemili North.
Isintume Charles was listed for Njikoka 1. Nwachukwu Nonso was also named for Nnewi South 1.
The party further mentioned Okeke Ifeanyi Akunne for Nnewi South 2 and Nnonyelu Samson E for Ayamelum.
Azotani Chuks Francis was also listed as a candidate for Dunukofia.
Cleopas insisted that the NDC did not nominate any of the individuals on the disputed list.
NDC explains its nomination process
Cleopas said the party completed its primaries and appeal process before submitting its final candidates to INEC.
According to him, Anambra stakeholders worked with the party leadership and representatives of Peter Obi during the process. The appeals panel also took part in producing the final list.
He said the relevant parties signed the list before the NDC uploaded it to the INEC portal.
However, Cleopas alleged that INEC placed nine names on “Pending” status after the submission.
He said the commission claimed its system already contained those names. According to him, INEC said officials who monitored the NDC primaries had supplied the names.
The party later appealed against the disputed entries. It also submitted what it described as the authentic candidates.
Cleopas alleged that the disputed names remained on the commission’s system despite the appeal.
NDC accuses INEC of bypassing party
The NDC chairman further alleged that INEC collected Form EC-9 from some of the disputed candidates.
He said the commission did this without first consulting the party. The names were then uploaded and published as candidates.
According to Cleopas, the action went against the Electoral Act and INEC’s own guidelines.
He argued that the commission had another option if it had concerns about the party’s list.
“At the very worst, INEC could have left us with no candidates for those positions, if they knew they were unwilling to engage us in addressing any perceived anomaly,” he said.
Party demands investigation
The NDC also claimed that similar issues had emerged in Benue and Imo states.
Cleopas said such developments could confuse voters and create fresh disputes within opposition parties.
He further alleged that some INEC officials prevented parties from uploading their preferred candidates. At the same time, he claimed that other names appeared on their lists.
The NDC chairman said the party had started its own investigation. He added that preliminary findings raised concerns about the possible involvement of some INEC officials.
However, the allegations have not been independently established.
NDC vows to challenge INEC
Cleopas said the NDC would use legal channels if the issue was not resolved.
He said the party would approach a court to challenge the publication. The party also wants INEC to restore the names it submitted as its authentic candidates.
“Even as we move to approach the court of competent jurisdiction to seek redress and restore our authentic candidates, the general public and our millions of supporters should note that these are not our candidates, as published by INEC,” he said.
The NDC urged its supporters to disregard the disputed names while the party works to resolve the matter.
The development comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general election. The publication of candidate lists is expected to remain a key stage in the electoral process.
