The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has categorically denied allegations by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that it granted the rival faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Nafiu Gombe access codes to upload candidates' names to its nomination portal.
INEC Official Speaks on Recognition of Leadership
Responding to the claims, a senior INEC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Punch that only the David Mark-led National Executive Committee is recognized by the commission and has access to its nomination portal. The official explained that INEC operates strictly within the provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and its regulations.
“INEC did not give access codes to Nafiu Gombe as claimed by Atiku’s Media Office. INEC operates based on the legal framework guiding elections and the electoral system in Nigeria. Of course, we are talking about the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, the Electoral Act, and INEC’s guidelines and regulations,” the official stated.
Legal Standing of Gombe's Faction
The official further clarified that according to INEC records, Senator David Mark is the chairman of the ADC, while Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is the secretary. “So, based on that, the recognized leadership of ADC, according to our records, is that of the Senator David Mark-led leadership. If you go to our portal right now, Senator David Mark is the chairman of the ADC, while Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is the Secretary. According to records, INEC did not give Nafiu Gombe access codes. So, whatever anyone is saying, we are not really interested,” the official added.
The official emphasized that Gombe lacks the legal standing to submit candidates through the commission’s portal because he is not recognized as the party’s chairman. “It’s as good as saying that Nafiu Gombe cannot upload the names of candidates on the INEC portal because he is not the officially recognized chairman of the ADC. Gombe, or any of his agents, aides, or close allies did not get any access codes from INEC to upload names of candidates. In fact, the question is which portal did they upload the names? INEC does not recognize anything from Nafiu Gombe,” the official said.
Rejection of Allegations Against INEC Chairman
The commission also rejected claims that its chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, was involved in the ADC leadership dispute or was working to undermine opposition parties. “The allegation by Atiku’s Media Office that Amupitan is trying to weaken opposition parties is a baseless allegation. The attempt to drag Amupitan into political parties’ internal crisis is an exercise in futility. Amupitan did not go to court. Amupitan did not drag Nafiu Gombe to court and Amupitan did not drag the David Mark-led ADC to court; it’s a party crisis, so why are they trying to drag Amupitan into it?” the official asked.
“The allegations are baseless. They should rather focus on strengthening their party than blaming Amupitan for their problems. As I earlier mentioned, Nafiu Gombe is not officially recognized and cannot have access to upload the names of candidates on INEC’s portal,” the official added.
Background and ADC's Response
The response followed allegations by Atiku’s Media Office that INEC had aided efforts to weaken the opposition by granting Gombe’s faction access to the candidate nomination portal despite recognizing the David Mark-led leadership. The ADC also denied claims that Gombe or his faction uploaded candidates’ names to INEC’s portal, insisting the commission recognizes only the David Mark-led leadership and could not have issued a separate access code to any rival group. The party further called on INEC to investigate the alleged forgery and unauthorized use of documents purportedly issued by the commission, as the leadership dispute within the ADC continues ahead of the 2027 general election.
