The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of publishing names it says were not authorised by the party as candidates for the 2027 State Houses of Assembly elections.

The party said the alleged substitution was particularly evident in Anambra State, where it claimed nine names appeared on INEC’s published list despite not being nominated during its primaries or submitted to the commission by the NDC.

NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, described the development as a serious concern ahead of the 2027 general election.

Anambra is the home state of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Zuwoghe called on INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to investigate how the disputed names were uploaded and published as NDC candidates.

The party chairman said the investigation should extend beyond Anambra to other states where the NDC alleged similar problems, including Benue and Imo.

According to the NDC, the alleged publication of unauthorised names had caused embarrassment to the party and concern among its supporters.

The party warned that it could pursue legal action to reclaim the affected candidacies.

The allegations were made by the NDC. The THISDAY report did not contain a response from INEC addressing the claims.