TD The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of allegedly replacing the party’s duly nominated candidates with names that were not authorised or submitted by the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a press statement dated August 30, 2026, and signed by the NDC National Chairman, Sen. Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, the party expressed particular concern over the list of candidates published for the Anambra State House of Assembly elections.
According to the NDC, 10 individuals whose names were unknown to the party were uploaded and published by INEC as its candidates in various Anambra constituencies.
The party alleged that the affected names were neither authorised by the NDC nor submitted by the party to INEC in accordance with the electoral process.
The NDC said the development was particularly disturbing because Anambra is the home state of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
It warned that the publication could create confusion among its supporters ahead of the 2027 elections.
NDC names alleged unauthorised candidates
The party listed the following names as among those allegedly inserted into its candidate list:
- Onitsha South 1: Umennajego Jude Ezenwa
- Onitsha South 2: Akpotue Obinna Chibuike
- Orumba North: Nwankwo Chiemerie
- Anaocha 1: Maduagwu Eric K
- Idemili North: Ngoebesi Obinna
- Njikoka 1: Isintume Charles
- Nnewi South 1: Nwachukwu Nonso
- Nnewi South 2: Okeke Ifeanyi Akunne
- Ayamelum: Nnonyelu Samson E.
- Dunukofia: Azotani Chuks Francis
The NDC chairman said he was the custodian of the party’s code for uploading its candidates.
He insisted that none of the listed names was uploaded by him or authorised by the party.
Party alleges manipulation of INEC portal
According to Zuwoghe, following the conclusion of the party’s primaries and appeal process, stakeholders working with the NDC leadership, representatives of Peter Obi and the party’s Appeals Panel produced and signed off on a final list of candidates.
He alleged that when the approved list was uploaded to the INEC portal using the code provided to the party, INEC officials allegedly kept some of the names submitted by the party on “Pending” status.
The NDC claimed that INEC officials subsequently maintained that the disputed names were already in the commission’s system.
It alleged this is because they had been submitted by officials who monitored the party’s primaries.
The party said it formally challenged the names and supplied INEC with the details of the candidates actually nominated by the NDC, together with a covering letter.
However, it alleged that the commission did not act on its complaint.
The NDC further alleged that INEC officials subsequently went directly to some of the individuals to collect Form EC-9.
This, it said, was then used to validate and publish the disputed names as the party’s candidates.
NDC demands investigation
The party called on the INEC Chairman to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding the publication.
It asked the INEC Chairman to determine how the names came to be listed as NDC candidates.
It also demanded that the investigation be extended to other constituencies across the country.
The party alleged that similar incidents had occurred in places including Benue and Imo states.
The party claimed that its preliminary internal investigation was pointing to possible involvement by some INEC officials in the alleged insertion of names.
The NDC said the alleged actions had not only embarrassed its leadership and genuine candidates but had also generated dissatisfaction among supporters in Nigeria and the diaspora.
Party threatens legal action
The NDC maintained that the alleged conduct was inconsistent with the Electoral Act and INEC’s own guidelines.
Zuwoghe argued that, if INEC had concerns about the names submitted by the party, the commission could have left the affected positions vacant rather than substituting them with names the party did not nominate.
The NDC chairman said the party would pursue the matter “to the very end”.
It also assured that it was prepared to approach a court of competent jurisdiction to seek redress and have its authentic candidates restored.
The party urged its supporters and the general public to note that the individuals listed in the disputed INEC publication were not the candidates nominated by the NDC, pending resolution of the matter.
The allegations contained in the statement are those of the NDC.
INEC has yet to respond to the accusations, hence , it’s response was not included in the statement provided.
