Gbade OGUNWALE
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed claims by a group led by Nafiu Bala Gombe that it uploaded the names of a presidential candidate and other nominees onto the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination portal, describing the assertion as false and misleading.
The party also accused the group of engaging in what it termed the forgery and unauthorised use of documents purportedly issued by INEC, and called on the electoral commission to investigate the matter.
In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said reports suggesting that the Gombe-led group had gained access to the INEC nomination portal and uploaded candidates’ details were “a blatant lie.”
According to the party, INEC only grants nomination portal access and codes to the leadership it officially recognises, stressing that the Commission cannot issue multiple access codes to different groups claiming leadership of the same political party.
“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 is a blatant lie. And it is quite easy to verify why,” the statement said.
Abdullahi argued that if INEC were to issue nomination portal access to rival groups within a party, “every impostor would simply upload names to the portal and proclaim themselves the authentic leadership of a political party.”
He challenged the Gombe-led group to provide evidence of the alleged upload, insisting that neither the law nor INEC’s procedures support such a claim.
“The question, therefore, is straightforward: where is the evidence of this purported upload by a group of individuals not known by law or the electoral body?” he asked.
The ADC further said it was formally notifying INEC of what it described as the apparent forgery and misuse of documents allegedly originating from the Commission.
“We are also, by this statement, formally drawing the attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) 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,” the party stated.
It expressed confidence that INEC would investigate the issue and take necessary measures to address what it called a “blatant misrepresentation.”
The opposition party maintained that it is not divided and rejected suggestions that it has splinter factions.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the African Democratic Congress is not factionalised. INEC has issued nomination portal access only to the leadership it recognises, and that leadership has duly concluded the party’s nomination process in accordance with the Electoral Act and the Commission’s guidelines,” the statement added.
The ADC reiterated that it had already uploaded the details of its presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, to the INEC portal.
“As we informed the public last week, the details of our Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (GCON), and our Vice-Presidential Candidate, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi (CON), had been uploaded on the INEC portal. Those are the facts,” Abdullahi said.
The party alleged that the claims by the Gombe-led group were part of efforts to distract its leadership and mislead the public ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It, however, vowed to remain focused on its campaign agenda, which it said includes addressing insecurity, reducing the cost of living, reviving the economy, creating jobs and returning the country to the path of progress.
The ADC urged its members, supporters, media organisations and the general public to disregard what it described as “agents of distraction” and rely only on official communications issued through the party’s authorised channels.
(The Whistler)
