African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for a criminal investigation into the actions of Mr. Nafiu Bala following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) denial of claims that he accessed the commission’s candidate nomination portal and uploaded candidates on behalf of the party for the 2027 general elections.
The demand was contained in a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who described the development as a serious attempt to mislead the public and damage the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.
According to the ADC, INEC’s clarification that the document circulated by Bala was forged and that his claims were false has shifted the focus from political allegations to what it described as a potential criminal act.
“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 unmistakeable 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 party argued that publicly claiming to have gained access to INEC’s restricted nomination portal and exercising powers reserved for recognised party officials was a grave allegation that should not be ignored.
“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,” Abdullahi stated.
ADC warned that such actions could erode public confidence in the country’s electoral process and create unnecessary political tension.
“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.”
The opposition party therefore urged the electoral commission to ensure that everyone involved in originating or promoting the alleged false claims is brought to justice.
“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 party stressed that the issue extends beyond its internal affairs, insisting that it concerns the protection of democratic institutions and public trust.
“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.”
The ADC further maintained that the alleged actions amounted to “a direct challenge” to INEC’s institutional integrity, warning that failure to act decisively could encourage similar incidents in the future.
“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. 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.
“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.”
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, the party said it remained dedicated to peaceful political engagement and respect for institutions.
“The ADC remains committed to democratic politics, respect for institutions and the peaceful conduct of political competition. We trust that the relevant authorities will act decisively to ensure that deliberate falsehoods of this nature do not become an accepted feature of our democratic life,” the statement added.
