The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate and prosecute its factional National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, over allegations that he falsely claimed to have uploaded candidates for the 2027 general election on INEC’s official nomination portal. The party’s spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that Bala’s actions constitute a serious attempt to mislead the public and undermine electoral integrity. Abdullahi emphasized that the claim is entirely false and urged INEC to take legal action against Bala and anyone involved in spreading the misinformation.
Bala, who leads a faction of the ADC, had circulated a document online asserting that he had obtained INEC’s access code and successfully uploaded candidates for the upcoming election. This claim quickly gained traction on social media platforms, raising concerns about the authenticity of the nomination process and the credibility of the party’s leadership. However, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, swiftly dismissed the assertion, confirming that Bala is not officially recognized by the Commission as the ADC’s National Chairman. She further stated that the nomination portal remains secure and that no unauthorized uploads have occurred.
In a public statement, Bolaji Abdullahi reiterated the ADC’s position, welcoming INEC’s clarification and condemning the falsified document as a deliberate act of deception. He noted that the matter goes beyond mere misinformation, describing it as a calculated effort to manipulate public perception and erode trust in Nigeria’s electoral system. Abdullahi stressed that gaining access to INEC’s restricted nomination platform is a privilege reserved for duly accredited party officials, and any attempt to impersonate such authority is a criminal offense.
The ADC spokesman called on law enforcement agencies to intervene, urging INEC to lead a full investigation into the origins of the forged document and the individuals responsible for its dissemination. He emphasized that the party remains committed to upholding democratic principles and will not tolerate actions that threaten the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. The ADC also reaffirmed its support for the legitimate leadership structure recognized by INEC and urged its members to disregard any information emanating from Bala’s faction.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, this incident highlights the growing challenges of misinformation and electoral sabotage in the digital age. The ADC’s call for prosecution underscores the need for stronger safeguards and accountability in the management of electoral processes. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how electoral bodies respond to fraudulent claims and unauthorized access attempts in future elections.
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