The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against alleged political interference in the electoral process following the omission of some governorship candidates from its list of contenders for the 2027 general elections.
The organisation called on the electoral commission to investigate allegations that some candidates’ names were electronically removed after they had been duly submitted.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 14 October, and signed by its President, Comrade Ifeanyi Odili, the group described the omissions as a threat to public confidence in the electoral process.
Among the affected candidates are former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Gombe State, and the party’s Ogun State governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, alongside his running mate, Alhaja Lateefat Yemi Kolapo.
According to the group, the candidates appeared on an earlier list published by INEC on 29 August 2026.
Although the commission subsequently issued a clarification, the organisation said the delay and the absence of an immediate explanation for the omissions had raised concerns about its independence and impartiality.
“The clarification by the Commission published late yesterday, days after the incident was belated and institutionally irresponsible,” the statement said.
The group expressed particular concern over Ogun State, where it said members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had repeatedly claimed that Adebutu would be disqualified from participating in the forthcoming election.
It said INEC’s subsequent publication of a list excluding Adebutu and his running mate, without stating the reasons, raised questions about the commission’s neutrality.
The organisation warned that such developments could undermine preparations for the 2027 elections and weaken public confidence in the electoral process.
“An electoral umpire must not only be independent; it must be seen to be independent,” the statement said.
It added that excluding candidates from a final list without publicly explaining the reasons could fuel suspicion and threaten the integrity of the elections.
The group also warned that delays in addressing such disputes could heighten political tensions and threaten democratic stability.
According to the statement, information from affected states had already indicated heightened anxiety over the omissions, which it said could have resulted in violence before INEC issued its clarification.
The Campaign for Democracy said it was prepared to mobilise citizens and pro-democracy organisations nationwide for lawful civic action against what it considers threats to political pluralism and participatory democracy.
It also reminded the commission that elections belong to Nigerians rather than political parties or individuals.
“Elections belong to the Nigerian people, not to any political party, individual, or governing interest,” the statement said.
The group called on INEC to investigate the allegations of electronic removal of candidates’ names and ensure that its actions comply with constitutional requirements and due process.
It further urged the commission to improve its public information management and provide timely explanations on matters affecting the electoral process.
While acknowledging the clarification issued by INEC, the organisation maintained that the commission must avoid delays in communicating critical information to the public.
The Campaign for Democracy said it would continue monitoring institutions responsible for managing Nigeria’s elections and intervene when necessary to protect democratic participation.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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