The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised serious allegations against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), claiming that the electoral body has removed its nominated candidates for the upcoming 2027 general elections and replaced them with individuals the party refers to as "strange names." This accusation was made by NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, during a press briefing following the publication of the candidates' list for the State Houses of Assembly elections by INEC.

Zuwoghe expressed that the actions of INEC are a calculated effort to undermine the NDC and sow confusion among its supporters. He specifically highlighted that the irregularities are most evident in Anambra State, which is notably the home state of the NDC's presidential candidate, Peter Obi. The chairman pointed out that ten names had been published by INEC as NDC candidates without the party's authorization, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

In his statement, Zuwoghe condemned the actions of INEC, stating, "The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, totally condemns the action of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its officials over the uploading and publication of unauthorized names in various constituencies, principally in the Anambra State House of Assembly." He detailed the names and constituencies affected by the alleged substitutions, which include Onitsha South 1, Orumba North, and Nnewi South, among others.

The NDC chairman emphasized that none of the individuals listed as candidates emerged from the party's official nomination process. He clarified that he, as the custodian of the party's candidate code, did not upload any of the disputed names. Zuwoghe explained that after the party's primaries and the appeals process, a final list of candidates was produced and endorsed by stakeholders, including representatives of Peter Obi. This list was subsequently uploaded through the official INEC code.

However, Zuwoghe alleged that INEC officials kept nine of the names in a "Pending" status, claiming they were already in the system and submitted by individuals monitoring the NDC primaries. Despite the party's formal objections and submissions of its legitimate candidates, INEC allegedly proceeded to publish the disputed names.

Adding to the controversy, Zuwoghe accused INEC of bypassing the party by directly obtaining Form EC-9 from the disputed candidates and uploading them to its portal. He described this maneuver as unacceptable and contrary to the Electoral Act and INEC’s guidelines, suggesting that INEC should have engaged with the NDC regarding any concerns rather than substituting candidates.

The NDC has called for a thorough investigation into the matter, not only in Anambra but also in other states like Benue and Imo, where similar allegations have surfaced. The party is also conducting its own investigation, which it claims has revealed potential complicity among some INEC officials.

Zuwoghe accused INEC of using the candidate-uploading process as a tool for intimidation and division among opposition parties. He stated that the NDC is prepared to pursue legal action to challenge the disputed nominations and restore its legitimate candidates. He urged the public and NDC supporters to disregard the names published by INEC, asserting that they do not represent the party's official candidates.