ADC Dismisses Claims of INEC Presidential Candidate Upload, Challenges Gombe Faction to Provide Evidence

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly denied reports that a faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe successfully uploaded the names of a presidential candidate and other nominees to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination portal.

Describing the claims as “blatant lies,” the party insisted that the alleged upload could not have happened under INEC’s established procedures. The ADC argued that only a leadership officially recognised by the electoral commission can access the nomination portal and submit candidates.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC explained that INEC does not grant nomination portal access or issue nomination codes to groups it does not recognise. He added that the commission cannot issue multiple nomination codes to different factions of the same political party.

According to Abdullahi, allowing unauthorised groups to upload candidates would create chaos in Nigeria’s electoral process, as anyone could falsely claim to represent a political party.

“INEC does not issue nomination portal access or nomination codes to a leadership it does not recognise. Secondly, the Commission will not issue two codes to the same party.”

The party challenged the Nafiu Bala Gombe faction to publicly present evidence that it had accessed the INEC portal and uploaded any candidate’s details. The ADC maintained that the absence of such proof further weakens the credibility of the claims circulating in the public space.

Beyond denying the allegation, the opposition party said it had formally drawn INEC’s attention to what it described as the possible forgery and unauthorised use of documents allegedly linked to the commission.

The ADC warned that any attempt to circulate fake INEC documents or misrepresent the commission’s processes could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system. It expressed confidence that the electoral body would investigate the matter and take appropriate action to protect the integrity of its nomination process.