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The David Mark-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the alleged forgery and unauthorised use of documents purportedly issued by the electoral body.
The request follows claims by the Nafiu Bala Gombe-led faction of the ADC that it had uploaded the names of the party’s presidential candidate and other nominees to INEC’s nomination portal. The faction also shared images purportedly showing the completed exercise, bearing the commission’s name and logo.
The Mark-led faction dismissed the claims, insisting that only the leadership recognised by INEC has access to the commission’s nomination portal and has completed the nomination process in line with the Electoral Act.
Speaking on behalf of the faction, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement, described the rival group’s claims as an attempt to mislead the public. He argued that INEC cannot grant access to its nomination portal or issue nomination codes to a leadership it does not recognise.
“INEC does not issue nomination portal access or nomination codes to a leadership it does not recognise,” he said.
“Secondly, the commission will not issue two codes to the same party. Otherwise, every impostor would simply upload names to the portal and proclaim themselves the authentic leadership of a political party.
“That is plainly not how the law or the commission’s processes work.”
Abdullahi also challenged the Gombe-led faction to provide evidence that it had successfully accessed the commission’s nomination portal.
The party further urged INEC to investigate what it described as the apparent forgery and unauthorised use of documents purportedly originating from the commission, warning that such actions could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
“We are formally drawing the attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission to what appears to be the forgery and unauthorised use of documents purportedly emanating from the commission in a manner capable of creating confusion and undermining public confidence in its integrity and reputation as Nigeria’s electoral umpire.
“We trust that the commission will investigate this matter and take the necessary steps to correct this blatant misrepresentation,” it added.
The ADC also accused unnamed individuals of attempting to distract the party ahead of the 2027 general election but said it would remain focused on its campaign.
“As the election approaches, there will be repeated attempts to distract the party and mislead the public.
“We will not be distracted. Our focus remains firmly on presenting Nigerians with a credible alternative that can restore security, tackle the rising cost of living, revive the economy, create jobs, and return the country to the path of progress in 2027,” the statement further read.
The party urged its members, supporters, the media and the general public to disregard what it described as misleading claims and rely only on official communications issued through its authorised channels.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) wishes to draw the attention of the media and the general public to false reports claiming that a group led by Mr. Nafiu Bala Gombe has uploaded the names of a presidential candidate and other nominees to the INEC nomination portal. The claim… pic.twitter.com/JiVh4PtvFt
— African Democratic Congress (@ADCNig) July 13, 2026
