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The African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by David Mark, has requested an investigation into factional leader Nafiu Bala Gombe.
This follows allegations that he uploaded the faction’s candidates’ information to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination portal.
INEC, however, dismissed the claims, stating that it did not grant Gombe access codes to its restricted nomination portal and that only the David Mark-led National Executive Committee is recognised by the commission.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ADC’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, welcomed INEC’s clarification.
“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,” Abdullahi said.
“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 Abdullahi, falsely claiming access to INEC’s restricted nomination portal is a grave allegation that warrants the attention of law enforcement agencies.
The party urged INEC to ensure that everyone connected with the alleged false claim is investigated and prosecuted.
“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 media office of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, had earlier alleged that INEC granted Gombe access to the commission’s nomination portal, a claim the electoral body subsequently denied.
An INEC official also told Punch that the commission did not issue any access code to Gombe, stressing that only the David Mark-led leadership is recognised by the electoral body and authorised to access the nomination portal.
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… pic.twitter.com/oIsAX0yYtG
— Bolaji Abdullahi (@BolajiADC) July 14, 2026
