ADC governorship candidate alleges plot to substitute party candidates

John Akpanudoedehe, the governorship candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Nigeria's Akwa Ibom State, has accused unnamed government agents of conspiring with party officials to replace candidates. These candidates reportedly emerged from concluded party primaries and have already had their names submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Akpanudoedehe voiced his allegations in a Facebook video, warning party members about attempts to infiltrate the ADC and manipulate the candidate list before INEC's final publication. He stated that "intelligence available" to him indicates ADC executives at various levels are holding secret meetings with government agents. These agents, he claims, are soliciting photocopies of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from party members, promising them they will ultimately secure positions for the House of Assembly and House of Representatives.

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I have intelligence that some members of the party who are privileged to be part of our executives at the ward, local government, and state levels are in secret meetings with government agents.

According to Akpanudoedehe, those orchestrating the alleged scheme boast of having "insiders" within INEC and assure potential candidates that their names will appear on the final list. They also reportedly promise legal support to handle any challenges arising from this alleged manipulation. While not directly accusing INEC officials, Akpanudoedehe suggested the plotters claim influence over the judiciary, government, and INEC.

Responding to the claims, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Akwa Ibom State, Onuoha Anugbum, clarified INEC's role. He stated that INEC lacks the constitutional authority to substitute candidates for political parties. "The issue of primary is a party affair. It is only the party that can substitute. INEC does not have the power to substitute candidates for political parties," Anugbum told PREMIUM TIMES. He explained that parties can substitute candidates within legally prescribed periods, but the decision rests entirely with the party itself.

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The issue of primary is a party affair. It is only the party that can substitute. INEC does not have the power to substitute candidates for political parties.