ADC asks INEC to investigate rival faction over forgery claims
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate what it described as the alleged forgery and unauthorised use of documents purportedly issued by the electoral commission by a rival group claiming leadership of the party.
The request follows claims by a faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe that it had uploaded the names of a presidential candidate and other nominees to INEC’s nomination portal. However, the ADC leadership recognised by INEC dismissed the claim as false, insisting that only the leadership officially recognised by the commission has access to the nomination portal.
The ADC asks INEC to investigate rival faction over forgery claims development marks the latest twist in the party’s internal leadership dispute as preparations continue ahead of the 2027 general elections.
ADC Rejects Rival Group’s Claims
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC maintained that the reports suggesting a rival group successfully uploaded candidates’ names to the INEC portal were entirely false.
According to the party, INEC’s nomination portal is accessible only to officials recognised by the electoral commission, making it impossible for an unrecognised leadership to submit candidates.
The party further argued that INEC cannot issue two separate nomination portal access codes to different leadership groups within the same political party.
The ADC asks INEC to investigate rival faction over forgery claims statement therefore challenged the rival faction to provide verifiable evidence supporting its assertions.
Forgery Allegations Raised
Beyond rejecting the nomination claims, the ADC alleged that documents purportedly originating from INEC had been forged and circulated to mislead the public.
The party said it had formally notified INEC of the alleged forgery and urged the commission to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
According to the statement, protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process requires prompt action whenever official documents are allegedly falsified or misrepresented.
The ADC asks INEC to investigate rival faction over forgery claims request reflects the party’s insistence that the allegations should be examined through official investigative procedures rather than public speculation.
Leadership Dispute Continues
The latest controversy comes against the backdrop of an ongoing leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress.
Different groups have continued to lay claim to the party’s leadership, resulting in legal actions, public statements and petitions to INEC over recognition and party administration.
Despite the dispute, the leadership recognised by INEC insists that it has completed the nomination process for its presidential and vice-presidential candidates in accordance with the Electoral Act and the commission’s guidelines.
The ADC asks INEC to investigate rival faction over forgery claims development highlights the challenges political parties face in managing internal disagreements while preparing for national elections.
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INEC’s Role in Party Administration
Under Nigeria’s Electoral Act, INEC supervises political party activities relating to candidate nominations and electoral compliance.
Political parties are required to submit candidates through procedures recognised by the commission, while disputes over party leadership are generally resolved through the courts.
Legal experts note that INEC’s role is primarily administrative and regulatory, although allegations involving forged documents may require separate investigation by appropriate authorities.
The ADC asks INEC to investigate rival faction over forgery claims appeal therefore places responsibility on the commission to determine whether any official documents were unlawfully created or used.
Importance of Electoral Integrity
Election observers say confidence in democratic institutions depends heavily on transparency, accountability and adherence to established legal procedures.
Allegations involving forged electoral documents, if substantiated, could undermine public confidence in political processes.
Conversely, experts also caution that such allegations must be investigated objectively, ensuring that findings are based on verifiable evidence rather than political rivalry.
The ADC asks INEC to investigate rival faction over forgery claims issue underscores the importance of protecting both the integrity of political parties and the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.
Legal Process Expected to Determine Outcome
Observers believe the dispute is likely to continue through administrative and judicial channels until all outstanding legal questions are resolved.
Should INEC confirm any irregularities, appropriate legal action may follow in accordance with the Electoral Act and other applicable laws.
Until then, both the forgery allegations and the competing leadership claims remain matters subject to official investigation and, where necessary, judicial determination.
The ADC asks INEC to investigate rival faction over forgery claims case illustrates the increasing importance of institutional transparency as Nigeria’s political parties intensify preparations for future elections.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria moves closer to another election cycle, internal party disputes are expected to receive increased public attention.
Political analysts argue that resolving leadership disagreements quickly and transparently will be essential for strengthening internal democracy and maintaining voter confidence.
For INEC, the latest petition presents another test of its responsibility to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process while remaining impartial.
Ultimately, the ADC asks INEC to investigate rival faction over forgery claims development reinforces the importance of lawful political competition, credible documentation and respect for constitutional procedures in Nigeria’s democracy.
