The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Nafiu Bala Gombe following the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s rejection of his claim that he obtained the commission’s access code and uploaded candidates for the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said INEC’s clarification that the document circulated by Bala was forged and his claims were false underscored what it described as a criminal attempt to undermine the credibility of the electoral body.
The party urged INEC to refer the matter to law enforcement agencies for investigation and possible prosecution, warning that failure to act could weaken public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
ADC welcomed INEC’s prompt response, which dismissed as false the claim by Bala that he had gained access to the commission’s restricted nomination portal and uploaded candidates on behalf of the party for the 2027 general elections.
According to the party, the issue extends beyond what it described as repeated false statements allegedly made by Bala on behalf of his sponsors, insisting that the circulation of forged documents aimed at discrediting INEC is a serious criminal matter.
“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 by making false claims and fabricating and sharing forged documents that directly impugn the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral management body,” the statement said.
The ADC argued that falsely claiming access to INEC’s secure nomination platform and exercising powers reserved for duly recognised party officials could undermine public trust in the commission’s electoral systems and create unnecessary political tension.
“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. As INEC has now confirmed, Nafiu Bala Gombe’s actions raise serious questions that deserve the immediate attention of law enforcement agencies,” the party stated.
It added that such actions were capable of casting doubt on the security and credibility of INEC’s systems, stressing the need for a thorough investigation.
“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 INEC’s public disclaimer distancing itself from the alleged document and reaffirming that its candidate nomination platform remains secure and accessible only to duly authorised political party officials.
