NDC Accuses INEC of Candidate Swap in Anambra
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of executing an unauthorized candidate swap on its official list for the Anambra State House of Assembly. The dispute has triggered heated political debate across the state, which is the home base of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Opposition leaders claim the alleged candidate swap is a calculated attempt to disrupt the party’s grassroots momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
How the Alleged Candidate Swap Happened
According to a formal statement by the NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, reported by The Nation Newspaper, the party completed its primaries and uploaded its verified list of nominees using its official commission code.
However, the party discovered that 10 authentic nominees were placed on “pending” status and replaced with unfamiliar individuals who never took part in the primaries. The party alleged that officials collected nomination forms directly from unauthorized aspirants to facilitate the candidate swap behind closed doors.
According to party records, the constituencies affected by the disputed candidate swap include:
- Onitsha South I & II: Legitimate primary winners were excluded and replaced on the published roster.
- Orumba North & Anaocha I: Valid nominees were left in pending status while unauthorized names were uploaded.
- Idemili North & Njikoka I: Grassroots candidates were substituted without party clearance.
- Nnewi South I & II: Two separate constituency tickets were reassigned to disputed individuals.
- Ayamelum & Dunukofia: Authentic candidates were removed from the public portal without explanation.
INEC Denies Any Role in the Candidate Swap
The electoral commission has pushed back firmly against allegations of an internal candidate swap.
Speaking with The Guardian Nigeria, Adedayo Oketola, the media adviser to the INEC Chairman, clarified that the commission holds no legal authority to nominate, drop, or substitute candidates for any political organization.
Oketola explained that monitoring a party primary does not give the electoral umpire the power to pick contenders. He urged the party to present concrete evidence if any specific official bypassed guidelines to execute an improper candidate swap, promising that any verified misconduct would face strict disciplinary action.
Taking the Battle to Court Ahead of 2027
Refusing to let the matter rest, the NDC has resolved to challenge the candidate swap through all available legal avenues.
As detailed by The Sun Nigeria, party executives are preparing court filings to demand the immediate restoration of their authentic candidates. The party has also called on supporters to disregard the disputed list while legal proceedings move forward.
The controversy highlights the growing political stakes facing both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties across key battleground states. Resolving the candidate swap dispute transparently will be vital to preserving voter confidence and safeguarding the integrity of the 2027 ballot.
