Atiku accuses INEC of aiding plot to weaken ADC, opposition

The media office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of aiding efforts to weaken opposition parties by allegedly granting a rival faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) access to its candidate nomination portal.

In a statement issued on Monday, Atiku’s media office claimed that Nafiu Bala Gombe, who lays claim to the ADC national chairmanship, announced on July 11 that he had successfully uploaded the names of candidates to INEC’s portal despite the commission’s recognition of the David Mark-led National Executive Committee.

The statement argued that granting portal access to Gombe was contrary to INEC’s own guidelines and the Electoral Act, insisting that only the leadership headed by former Senate President David Mark is legally recognised by the commission.

According to the media office, the electoral body has neither confirmed nor denied Gombe’s claim, a development it described as evidence of partisanship and an attempt to create confusion within the opposition ahead of the 2027 general election.

The statement also accused INEC official Prof. Joash Amupitan of allegedly fuelling internal crises in opposition parties and advancing what it described as President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to weaken political opponents.

Citing Sections 222 of the 1999 Constitution and 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022, the media office maintained that only candidates who emerge from recognised party primaries can be submitted to INEC, arguing that any nomination allegedly made by Gombe’s faction would be invalid.

It called on INEC to clarify the status of the alleged portal access and urged the commission to remain neutral in the management of political party affairs.

INEC had yet to issue an official response to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.