African Democratic Congress disputes INEC candidate upload amid leadership feud

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has publicly denied claims that a faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe uploaded presidential and National Assembly candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination portal. The party described the allegation as a "blatant lie" and said INEC does not issue portal access or nomination codes to unrecognised party leadership, stating, “INEC does not issue nomination portal access or nomination codes to a leadership it does not recognise.” The ADC urged INEC to investigate the matter to prevent confusion and protect the credibility of the electoral process.

In a separate statement, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu for prioritising the 2027 elections over addressing Nigeria’s worsening security, hunger and economic challenges. He accused the government of neglecting the “17 million Nigerians starving to death” and urged the administration to focus on security, job creation and economic stability.

The party’s internal dispute also surfaced in the Federal High Court in Sokoto, where ADC counsel was fined N500,000 and the case was adjourned to July 2026 over procedural issues. These developments highlight a broader leadership conflict within the ADC as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.