The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced an examination of its records to determine how names allegedly unknown to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) appeared on the party’s candidate list for the 2027 general elections.

The development followed allegations by the NDC that candidates it neither nominated nor authorised were uploaded and published as its candidates in several State House of Assembly constituencies, particularly in Anambra State.

The party had accused INEC of removing some of its nominated candidates and replacing them with individuals it said were not recognised by the party.

However, INEC denied having the power to nominate candidates for political parties or substitute candidates validly nominated by them.

The commission’s Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, said the responsibility for nominating candidates rests with political parties, subject to the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026 and other applicable laws, regulations and guidelines.

According to Oketola, political parties submit the particulars of their candidates through INEC’s candidate nomination portal using access credentials issued for that purpose.

He explained that activities carried out on the portal are electronically recorded, making it possible for the commission to establish the history and source of entries relating to any disputed candidate.

Oketola said the allegation that INEC officials “smuggled” candidates into the NDC’s list should be determined from the commission’s electronic and documentary records rather than speculation.

He added that the commission would examine the records relating to the constituencies identified by the NDC to determine how the disputed names came to appear on the list.

The INEC spokesman also clarified that the commission’s monitoring of political party primaries does not amount to nominating candidates for the parties.

He said disputes over who emerged from a party primary, appeals arising from such primaries or attempts to alter their outcomes must be addressed within the framework of the Electoral Act 2026 and other applicable laws.

The NDC had raised particular concerns over some constituencies in Anambra State, the home state of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The party alleged that several names unknown to its leadership had been published as its candidates for some State House of Assembly constituencies, including Onitsha South 1, Onitsha South 2, Orumba North, Anaocha 1, Idemili North, Njikoka 1, Nnewi South, Nnewi South 2, Ayamelum and Dunukofia.

The NDC National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, had called on the INEC Chairman to urgently investigate the matter and establish how the disputed names found their way onto the party’s candidate list.

The party further alleged that similar issues could have occurred in other states, including Benue and Imo, and called for the investigation to cover the affected constituencies.

INEC, however, maintained that it has no institutional interest in determining which candidates political parties field for elections.

Oketola said the commission’s responsibility was to administer the electoral process impartially and in accordance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act and relevant regulations.

He also urged the NDC to provide evidence and details of any INEC officials allegedly involved in unauthorised interference with its candidate nomination process, assuring that credible allegations of misconduct would be investigated.

The commission said its review of the relevant records would provide an objective basis for determining what happened and resolving the controversy surrounding the disputed names ahead of the 2027 elections.