INEC cannot dictate party candidates for 2027 elections - Sambo clarifies role

Sumner Sambo, Director of News and Political Editor at Arise News, explained that INEC cannot dictate to political parties who their candidates should be for the 2027 general elections. Speaking on Arise Television's 'Prime Time' on Thursday, Sambo clarified that the electoral commission's role is limited to witnessing the candidate emergence process, documenting proceedings, and preserving records that can be presented in court if legal challenges arise. The commission has no authority to determine party nominees that decision rests solely with political parties. If the process goes to court, INEC can present its documented records. If no legal action is taken, INEC must accept the candidate each party officially presents. This clarification comes as political parties across Nigeria prepare their candidate lists ahead of the 2027 elections, emphasizing that aggrieved individuals must seek judicial redress rather than administrative intervention. The statement reinforces INEC's position as an impartial arbiter rather than an active participant in candidate selection.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/03/2027-inec-cant-decide-candidates-for-political-parties-sambo/