The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on law enforcement agencies to investigate and, where necessary, prosecute Nafiu Bala Gombe following reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disowned documents linked to him and denied granting him access to its restricted nomination portal.
In a statement, the ADC said the matter goes beyond internal party disagreements and raises concerns about public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process. “This matter can no longer be dismissed as ordinary factional politics,” the party stated.
According to the ADC, claims attributed to Bala that he had access to INEC’s secured nomination portal and had uploaded candidates were serious allegations that required verification.
“Claiming access to a secured INEC platform, announcing that candidates have been uploaded, and circulating documents presented as evidence are serious actions capable of misleading citizens, destabilizing a political party, and damaging confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system,” the party said.
The ADC noted that INEC’s nomination portal is a restricted platform accessible only to officials of political parties formally recognized by the Commission.
“Anyone claiming to have obtained such access must be able to present verifiable evidence directly authenticated by INEC,” the statement added. The party argued that INEC’s reported rejection of the claims makes a formal investigation necessary.
“Law-enforcement agencies must investigate how the document was produced, who circulated it, and whether any offense was committed,” the ADC stated. The party stressed that it was not calling for punishment without due process.
“This is not a demand for punishment without due process. It is a demand that the law be allowed to work,” the statement read. The ADC further maintained that if Nafiu Bala and any associates knowingly fabricated or promoted false documents connected to INEC, they should face prosecution in line with the law.
“If Nafiu Bala and his associates fabricated or knowingly promoted false documents connected to INEC, they should be prosecuted in accordance with the law. If they possess authentic evidence supporting their claims, they should present it to the Commission and the public immediately,” the party said.
Warning about the implications for the country’s electoral system, the ADC stated that Nigeria could not afford to approach the 2027 elections with unresolved allegations involving secured electoral platforms.
“Such behaviour could create panic, inflame party disputes, mislead candidates, and weaken trust in the institution responsible for conducting elections,” the statement said. The party also commended its decision to refer the matter to INEC rather than escalating tensions.
“The ADC has shown responsibility by referring the matter back to INEC and demanding lawful action rather than encouraging disorder,” it stated. Calling on INEC to defend its credibility, the party urged the commission to conduct a thorough probe into the matter.
“Investigate the document. Identify everyone involved. Publish the findings. Prosecute wrongdoing where the evidence supports it,” the party added. The party concluded that the controversy extends beyond the ADC and touches on the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“This issue is bigger than the ADC. It concerns the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process and the dangerous precedent that would be created if forged or misleading electoral documents could circulate without consequences. Democracy depends on truth, lawful authority, and public confidence. None should be sacrificed for political desperation,” the statement added.
