The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has rejected 10 names published by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as its candidates for the 2027 Anambra State House of Assembly elections.
The party alleged that the affected names were not authorised by its leadership and were unlawfully inserted into its list of nominated candidates.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the NDC National Chairman, Moses Zuwoghe, accused INEC officials of sidelining the party’s duly nominated candidates and replacing them with individuals the party does not recognise.
Zuwoghe said he was the custodian of the credentials required for uploading the party’s candidates to the INEC portal and insisted that he did not upload the disputed names.
The affected names, according to the party, are Umennaajiego Jude Ezenwa for Onitsha South 1; Akpotue Obinna Chibuike for Onitsha South 2; Nwankwo Chiemerie for Orumba North; Maduagwu Eric K for Anaocha 1; Ngoebisi Obinna for Idemili North; Isintume Charles for Njikoka 1; Nwachukwu Nonso for Nnewi South; Okeke Ifeanyi Akunne for Nnewi South 2; Nnonyelu Samson E for Ayamelum; and Azotani Chuks Francis for Dunukofia.
The NDC described the alleged substitution as a serious breach of the electoral process, arguing that where discrepancies arise between candidates submitted by a political party and information published by INEC, the commission should seek clarification before publishing the disputed names.
The party also alleged that similar incidents had occurred in other states, including Benue and Imo, where it claimed some of its candidates were allegedly prevented from uploading their nominations.
Zuwoghe called on the INEC Chairman to order an immediate investigation into how the disputed names found their way into the commission’s published list.
He said the investigation should cover all constituencies where the party suspects that its genuine candidates may have been replaced.
The NDC chairman warned that such alleged irregularities could trigger internal crises within political parties and undermine public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party said it would pursue the matter through legal channels until, according to it, the names of its authentic candidates are restored.
The NDC also urged its members and supporters not to recognise the 10 individuals listed by INEC as candidates of the party for the affected constituencies.
