ADC Urges INEC to Probe, Prosecute Nafiu Bala Over Alleged Forged Document

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the investigation and prosecution of its factional leader, Nafiu Bala Gombe, after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) dismissed claims that he accessed the commission’s nomination portal and uploaded candidates for the 2027 general election.

The demand was made in a statement obtained by Politics Nigeria on Tuesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, following INEC’s clarification that it neither granted Bala access to its restricted nomination portal nor recognised his faction as the party’s legitimate leadership.

Reacting to INEC’s position, the ADC welcomed the commission’s clarification and accused Bala of attempting to mislead the public with what it described as false claims.

“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 statement read.

The party said the matter had gone beyond political disagreement, alleging it amounted to an attempt to deceive Nigerians.

“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.

“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 development follows allegations by the Media Office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that INEC had granted Bala access to the commission’s nomination portal.

However, INEC denied the claim, with a senior commission official confirming on Monday that Bala was never issued an access code and reiterating that only the David Mark-led leadership is recognised and authorised to use the portal.