Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of replacing 10 of its nominated candidates for the 2027 Anambra State House of Assembly election with what it described as “impostors.”
Gatekeepers News reports that Moses Zuwoghe, national chairman of the NDC, made the allegation in a statement on Sunday following the publication of INEC’s list of candidates for the state assembly elections.
Zuwoghe said the list contained 10 names that were neither authorised nor submitted by the party, alleging that the names were uploaded onto INEC’s portal without the party’s approval.
He said the development was particularly disturbing because Anambra is the home state of Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
The disputed names include 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 are 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 chairman said he was the custodian of the credentials provided to the party for uploading its candidates and insisted that he did not upload the disputed names.
He accused some INEC officials of allegedly smuggling the names into the commission’s system, describing the action as contrary to the Electoral Act and INEC’s guidelines.
Zuwoghe called on INEC chairman to immediately investigate how the names found their way onto the published list. He also urged the commission to extend the investigation to other states, including Benue and Imo, where the party alleged that similar incidents had occurred.
The NDC chairman said the development had caused embarrassment to the party and its genuine candidates while creating disaffection among its supporters.
He added that the party was prepared to approach the courts to challenge the alleged substitution and ensure that its authentic candidates are restored.
