The African Democratic Congress has asked relevant authorities to investigate and prosecute its factional leader, Nafiu Gombe, after the Independent National Electoral Commission denied claims that he had access to its candidate nomination portal.
The party’s call followed INEC’s clarification that it never issued access codes to Gombe and still recognises only the National Executive Committee led by David Mark as the legitimate leadership of the ADC.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said INEC’s position had laid to rest what it described as misleading claims surrounding the nomination portal.
The statement read, “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) welcomes the prompt clarification by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which unequivocally confirmed that the document circulated by Mr. Nafiu Bala purporting to show that he had obtained the Commission’s access code and uploaded candidates on behalf of the ADC for the 2027 general election was forged, and that the claim itself was entirely false.
“The issue before us is no longer simply about the continuous false statements that have been issued by Nafiu Bala Gombe at the behest of his sponsors. It is about the clear and unmistakable attempt to mislead the Nigerian public.”
According to the party, falsely claiming access to INEC’s restricted platform raises serious legal concerns and should be thoroughly investigated.
The ADC maintained that such actions, if left unchecked, could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and called for those responsible to face the law.
“To publicly claim that one has gained access to INEC’s restricted nomination platform and exercised powers reserved for duly recognised party officials is a grave matter that deserves the immediate attention of law enforcement agencies.”
“As a responsible party, the ADC therefore calls on INEC to take all the necessary steps to ensure that Mr Nafiu Bala and anyone else involved in originating or promoting this falsehood are investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law”, the statement added.
The latest development is another chapter in the prolonged leadership crisis within the ADC, with rival factions continuing to battle for control of the party ahead of the 2027 general election.
INEC has consistently maintained that the David Mark-led leadership remains the only recognised authority empowered to access the commission’s candidate nomination portal.