ADC calls for prosecution of Nafiu Bala over claim of access to INEC portal

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by former Senate President David Mark, has called for the prosecution of Nafiu Bala over his claim that he accessed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination portal.

Bala, who is recognised as a factional chairman of the party, had on Saturday said he uploaded the names of his faction’s presidential, vice-presidential, and national assembly candidates for the 2027 elections to the commission’s portal.

However, sources within INEC clarified on Monday that the commission does not grant access to its nomination portal to factions of political parties it does not officially recognise.

The Mark-led faction of the ADC is the one acknowledged by the electoral body.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described Bala’s claim as misleading and potentially harmful to public trust in the electoral process.

“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 statement read.

The party urged INEC to ensure that Bala and any individuals involved in promoting the claim are investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Abdullahi warned that false claims involving key national institutions could erode confidence in Nigeria’s democratic processes.

He described Bala’s action as a direct challenge to INEC’s institutional integrity, stressing that how the commission responds would signal its commitment to safeguarding its credibility.

“If individuals can falsely claim access to the commission’s secured systems, generate widespread public anxiety and simply move on when the claim is disproved, a dangerous precedent would be established,” he said.

He added that such actions could encourage others to spread misinformation capable of inflaming political tensions and undermining the electoral system.

The ADC reiterated its commitment to democratic principles, respect for institutions, and peaceful political engagement.

The party also called on relevant security agencies to act decisively to prevent the spread of deliberate falsehoods, warning that failure to do so could normalise misinformation in Nigeria’s political landscape.