The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for a criminal investigation into the actions of its factional chairman, Nafiu Bala, following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) denial of his claim that he gained access to the commission’s candidate nomination portal and uploaded the party’s candidates for the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 14, by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC welcomed INEC’s clarification that the document circulated by Bala was forged and that his claim was false.
According to the party, the matter has gone beyond internal party disagreements and now raises concerns about attempts to mislead Nigerians and undermine confidence in the country’s electoral process.
“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 party said falsely claiming access to INEC’s restricted nomination platform was a serious issue that should attract the attention of law enforcement agencies.
“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.
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“As INEC has now confirmed, Nafiu Bala Gombe’s actions raise serious questions that deserve the immediate attention of law enforcement agencies,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC argued that such actions could weaken public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system by creating confusion and casting doubt on the security of INEC’s digital platforms.
The party urged the electoral commission to ensure that Bala and anyone connected to the alleged forgery face investigation and prosecution.
“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,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC maintained that the issue extends beyond party politics, describing it as a test of the country’s commitment to protecting the credibility of its democratic institutions.
“The ADC remains committed to democratic politics, respect for institutions and the peaceful conduct of political competition.
“We trust that the relevant authorities will act decisively to ensure that deliberate falsehoods of this nature do not become an accepted feature of our democratic life,” Abdullahi said.