Amanze Chinonye
The media office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of undermining Nigeria’s opposition by allegedly granting access to its candidate nomination portal to a rival faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as unconstitutional and politically motivated, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the Atiku Media Office alleged that INEC’s reported decision to grant access credentials to Nafiu Bala Gombe, who claims to be the National Chairman of the ADC, was aimed at deepening divisions within the party and weakening opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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The allegation followed Gombe’s announcement on July 11 that his faction had successfully uploaded the names of its presidential and National Assembly candidates to INEC’s candidate nomination portal, a process that requires access codes issued by the electoral commission in line with its election timetable and nomination guidelines.
However, the Atiku Media Office maintained that Senator David Mark remains the only legally recognised National Chairman of the ADC and argued that any access granted to a parallel leadership violates both the Electoral Act and INEC’s own guidelines.
According to the statement, the electoral commission has neither confirmed nor denied reports that Gombe’s faction was granted access to the portal, creating uncertainty over the legality of the purported candidate submissions.
The media office further alleged that INEC, under the leadership of Prof. Joash Amupitan, was repeating what it described as earlier actions that destabilised the ADC by recognising rival party officials despite existing court decisions.
It argued that Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended), require political parties to conduct duly supervised primaries and submit only one validly nominated candidate for each elective office. It insisted that the only candidates recognised by law are those produced under the leadership of Senator David Mark.
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The statement further claimed that Gombe’s faction did not conduct valid party primaries and, therefore, lacked the legal basis to submit candidates for the 2027 elections.
Accusing INEC of partisanship, the Atiku Media Office alleged that the commission’s actions were helping President Bola Tinubu’s administration weaken opposition parties by creating internal crises, which it described as part of a broader agenda to consolidate political control.
It called on the electoral commission to refrain from actions capable of deepening political disputes within the ADC and other opposition parties, while urging INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to uphold the commission’s constitutional responsibility of remaining impartial.
The allegations add a fresh dimension to the leadership dispute within the ADC and could further complicate preparations for the 2027 general elections if the controversy over the party’s recognised leadership remains unresolved.
As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not issued an official response to the allegations made by the Atiku Media Office.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
