INEC denies ADC faction’s claim of accessing nomination portal

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied claims by an African Democratic Congress (ADC) factional leader, Nafiu Bala, that his group gained access to the commission’s nomination portal and uploaded candidates for the 2027 general election.

The claim, which circulated widely on social media, alleged that Bala’s faction had successfully submitted the party’s candidates through INEC’s online portal.

Responding to the report, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, dismissed the claim, saying Bala was not recognised by the commission as the ADC’s national chairman.

“It is not true,” she said.

A review of INEC’s official political parties portal also does not support Bala’s claim. The portal lists Senator David Mark as the ADC National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Secretary, indicating that they remain the officials recognised by the commission for nominations and other official matters.

The latest development comes as the ADC continues to grapple with a leadership dispute, with rival groups claiming control of the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

INEC’s denial follows reports from Bala’s faction that it had obtained the commission’s access code and uploaded candidates, a claim the electoral body has now rejected.