As Mark-Led Faction Demands Prosecution of Bala-Gombe
- Safiu Kehinde
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has debunked the alleged upload of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidates’ list on its portal by the Nafiu Bala-Gombe-led faction of the party.
This is coming hours after the ADC called out INEC over Bala-Gombe’s claim that he had uploaded the names of ADC candidates for the 2027 General Election on the commission’s portal.
In an update contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party announced that INEC had made clarification on the allegation.
The commission, according to Abdullahi, debunked Bala-Gombe’s claim of obtaining INEC’s access code and uploading the candidates on the portal on behalf of the party despite his non-recognition as the party’s leader.
While welcoming the commission’s clarification, the ADC however held that the Bala-Gombe’s claim raises serious concerns and demand investigation and prosecution.
“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.
“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.
“This is because such claims are capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process, creating unnecessary political tension and casting doubt on the security and credibility of INEC’s systems.
“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 partly read.
The ADC held that that its call for Bala-Gombe’s prosecution transcended beyond the party but geared towards protecting the integrity of public institutions and preserving public confidence.
“This is not about the ADC alone. It is about protecting the integrity of public institutions. It is about ensuring that no one believes they can make false claims that involve critical national institutions without consequences.
“More importantly, it is about preserving public confidence in the processes that underpin our democracy.
“INEC must see Nafiu Bala Gombe’s action for what it is: a direct challenge to its institutional integrity.
“How this matter is handled will send an important signal about the seriousness with which our institutions defend their credibility and the rule of law.” The statement read further.
The ADC warned that if individuals can falsely claim access to the Commission’s secured systems, generate widespread public anxiety and simply move on when the claim is disproved, a dangerous precedent would have been established.
It held that others may be tempted to deploy similar falsehoods in the future to create confusion, inflame political passions or undermine confidence in the electoral process.