ADC Rejects Alleged INEC Portal Upload by Rival Group, Demands Probe into ‘Forgery’ Claims

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed claims that a rival faction successfully uploaded presidential nomination details to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal, describing the allegation as false and misleading.

The party has also called on INEC to investigate what it termed the forgery and unauthorised use of documents allegedly bearing the commission’s identity.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, made the party’s position known in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, where he refuted reports that a group led by Nafiu Bala had submitted the names of presidential and other candidates through the INEC nomination portal.

Abdullahi argued that under the Electoral Act, INEC could not grant access to its nomination portal or issue nomination codes to any leadership structure it does not officially recognise. He further maintained that the electoral body would not provide separate nomination portal access to competing groups laying claim to the leadership of the same registered political party.

“The claim is a blatant lie. INEC does not issue nomination portal access or nomination codes to a leadership it does not recognise,” Abdullahi stated.

He challenged those behind the allegation to produce verifiable evidence showing that an unrecognised group was able to gain access to the commission’s portal and successfully upload nomination details.

The ADC spokesman revealed that the party had formally alerted INEC to what it considers a case of apparent forgery and the unauthorised use of documents purportedly linked to the commission.

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According to him, the party is confident that INEC will thoroughly investigate the matter and take appropriate action to address what it described as a deliberate attempt to misrepresent facts.

“We trust that the commission will investigate this matter and take necessary steps to correct this blatant misrepresentation,” he said.

Abdullahi also dismissed suggestions of a leadership crisis within the ADC, insisting that the party remains united and that INEC recognises only one legitimate leadership structure.

He noted that the recognised leadership had duly completed the nomination process and successfully uploaded the details of the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, to the INEC portal.

Reaffirming the party’s political agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections, Abdullahi said the ADC was focused on offering Nigerians a credible alternative capable of tackling insecurity, reviving the economy and creating employment opportunities.

He urged party members, supporters, media organisations and the general public to disregard contrary claims and rely solely on information released through the party’s authorised communication channels.