ADC Seeks Criminal Investigation Of Nafiu Bala After INEC Disowns Claims

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the arrest and prosecution of former factional national chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) rejection of his claim that he had gained access to the Commission’s candidate nomination portal and uploaded candidates for the 2027 general election.

The party said INEC’s clarification that the document circulated by Bala was forged and that his claims were false had elevated the matter from a political dispute to an alleged criminal act capable of undermining public confidence in the country’s electoral process.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its national publicity secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC urged INEC to refer the matter to law enforcement agencies for investigation and possible prosecution.

According to the party, falsely claiming to have accessed INEC’s restricted nomination platform and exercised powers reserved for duly recognised party officials amounted to a direct challenge to the Commission’s institutional integrity.

“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 maintained that such claims, if left unpunished, could undermine public confidence in the electoral process, create unnecessary political tension and cast doubt on the security and credibility of INEC’s systems.

The party therefore called on the electoral commission to ensure that Bala and anyone involved in originating or promoting the alleged falsehood were investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“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,” the party stated.

The ADC further argued that the manner in which the matter is handled would send an important signal about the seriousness with which public institutions defend their credibility and uphold the rule of law.

It warned that if individuals could falsely claim access to INEC’s secured systems, generate widespread public anxiety and simply move on after such claims had been disproved, a dangerous precedent would be established.

“Others may be tempted to deploy similar falsehoods in the future to create confusion, inflame political passions or undermine confidence in the electoral process. The public is watching,” the statement said.

The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to democratic politics, respect for institutions and the peaceful conduct of political competition, expressing confidence that the relevant authorities would act decisively to ensure that deliberate falsehoods of this nature do not become an accepted feature of Nigeria’s democratic life.