ADC seeks Nafiu Gombe’s prosecution over forged INEC portal claim

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is demanding the investigation and prosecution of its factional leader, Nafiu Gombe, following a clarification from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The electoral body stated that claims made by Gombe, suggesting he had uploaded the party's candidates for the 2027 general election via INEC's nomination portal, were false. INEC confirmed it did not grant Gombe access codes to its restricted portal and recognized only the David Mark-led National Executive Committee as legitimate.

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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.

This development marks a new twist in the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, which has seen a rift between the David Mark-led faction and a rival group headed by Bala. The dispute has led to numerous court cases, protests, and disagreements over the party's legitimate leadership as preparations for the 2027 general election intensify.

In response to INEC's clarification, the ADC welcomed the commission's stance and accused Gombe of attempting to mislead the Nigerian public. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, issued a statement emphasizing that the issue transcends political disagreements and now involves an alleged attempt to deceive the public. "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," the statement read.

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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.

The ADC argued that falsely claiming access to INEC's restricted nomination portal is a serious allegation that warrants the attention of security agencies. The party urged INEC to ensure that all individuals involved in originating or promoting this falsehood are thoroughly 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," the ADC stated, calling on INEC to take necessary actions against Nafiu Bala and anyone else implicated.

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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.