The Northern OBIdient Youth Assembly (NOYA) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of undermining Nigeria’s democratic process through manipulation of candidate lists.
In a statement issued by its coordinator, Abdullahi Suleiman, the Northern OBIdients alleged that a feature on INEC’s website titled “Amended List of Candidates Pursuant to Court Order” has become a tool for entrenched manipulation rather than a demonstration of transparency.
The group alleged that commission has been compromised by political interference and internal corruption, leading to omission or replacement of lawfully nominated candidates on party lists.
“Lawfully nominated candidates are either omitted or replaced on party lists in violation of internal party democracy, only to be reinstated later by court rulings,” he said.
According to him, this pattern is not due to administrative error but deliberate manipulation.
“These are politically influenced moves that force candidates into costly and time-consuming legal battles just to reclaim their rightful positions,” he said.
The group claimed that rogue elements within INEC are receiving bribes to alter candidate lists, expecting later judicial corrections.
The group warned that if this practice continues, Nigerian elections will be a “charade” where backroom deals override ballots, and courtrooms become the new battleground for electoral mandates.
NOYA called on the National Assembly launch a full inquiry into judicial reversals, conduct forensic audits, and investigate INEC officials for complicity.
