2027: NDC Faults INEC Over Alleged Inclusion of Unknown Candidates on List

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of publishing names of individuals who were allegedly not nominated by the party as its candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The allegation followed INEC’s publication of the list of candidates for the State Houses of Assembly elections on Sunday, with the NDC claiming that several names listed under its platform were neither recognised nor submitted by its leadership.

In a statement, NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, described the alleged discrepancies as an attempt to undermine the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party chairman said the issue was particularly pronounced in Anambra State, where the NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, hails from.

According to Zuwoghe, 10 individuals listed as NDC candidates across various constituencies in Anambra were not authorised or submitted by the party to INEC.

“The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, totally condemns the action of the Independent National Electoral Commission and its officials over the uploading and publication of unauthorised names in various constituencies, principally in the Anambra State House of Assembly, where 10 names unknown to the party have now been uploaded and published as candidates of the party,” he said.

Zuwoghe called on the INEC Chairman to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged inclusion of the names in the commission’s candidate list.

He also demanded that the investigation be extended to other states, alleging that similar discrepancies had been identified in Benue and Imo.

Read Also: We Uploaded Peter Obi’s Name To INEC Portal As Presidential Candidate – NDC

“The same investigation should also be carried out in other constituencies like Benue, Imo and others, as this mischief has not only caused an embarrassment to the party, its leadership and genuine candidates, but has also caused a lot of disaffection among the millions of the party’s supporters all over the country and in the Diaspora,” Zuwoghe said.

The NDC alleged that some INEC officials may have been involved in what it described as the “foisting” of unauthorised names on the party’s candidate list.

The party said it had launched an internal investigation into the matter, adding that its preliminary findings allegedly indicated the involvement of some electoral officials.

It further claimed that the alleged manipulation could be intended to intimidate or pressure the party and its supporters as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.

The NDC identified several names it said were wrongly published as its candidates in Anambra, including 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 and Ngoebisi Obinna for Idemili North.

Others listed by the party include Isintume Charles for Njikoka 1, Nwachukwu Nonso for Nnewi South, Okeke Ifeanyi Akunne for Nnewi South 2 and Nnonyelu Samson E. for Ayamelum.

The party urged INEC to urgently investigate the alleged discrepancies and determine how the names were uploaded and published under the NDC platform.

The NDC said it would continue its own investigation while awaiting the electoral commission’s response and appropriate action.