Atiku Media Office Accuses INEC of Bias, Alleges Electoral Commission Is Undermining ADC and Other Opposition Parties
By Fact Harbour News
The Atiku Media Office has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of taking actions capable of undermining the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, alleging that the electoral umpire is acting in a manner inconsistent with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and its own operational guidelines.
In a statement issued in Abuja on July 13, 2026, the media office expressed concern over the reported upload of candidates’ names to INEC’s nomination portal by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who it described as a claimant to the national chairmanship of the ADC.
According to the statement, access to the INEC portal is granted only to duly recognised political parties and their authorised officials for the purpose of submitting the names and credentials of candidates for elections. The Atiku Media Office argued that the reported upload by Gombe contradicts what it claimed is INEC’s recognition of the David Mark-led National Executive Committee of the ADC.
The statement questioned the legal basis upon which another individual could reportedly gain access to the commission’s portal if, as alleged, the David Mark-led leadership remains the recognised leadership of the party. It further argued that such a development could create uncertainty over the validity of candidate nominations and complicate preparations for the 2027 elections.
The media office also alleged that INEC’s actions were capable of creating unnecessary divisions within opposition parties and called on the commission to publicly clarify its position on the recognised leadership of the ADC. It maintained that transparency from the electoral body would help restore confidence in the electoral process and reduce speculation surrounding the issue.
Citing Section 222 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended), the statement argued that political parties are required to conduct valid primaries and submit only duly nominated candidates to INEC. It claimed that any candidate submission made outside the recognised party structure would have no legal foundation.
The Atiku Media Office further alleged that the actions complained of could weaken internal democracy within opposition parties and affect public confidence in the electoral process. It urged INEC to remain impartial in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities and to ensure that all political parties are treated fairly and equally under the law.
The statement also called on the electoral commission to provide an official explanation regarding the reported issuance of access credentials to individuals claiming leadership of the same political party, arguing that such clarification is necessary to preserve the credibility of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not issued an official response to the allegations contained in the statement. Similarly, there was no immediate public reaction from Nafiu Bala Gombe or representatives of the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC regarding the claims.
Fact Harbour News reports that the allegations remain the position of the Atiku Media Office and have not been independently verified. The recognition of political party leadership, the validity of candidate nominations, and any disputes arising from the process remain subject to the provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, INEC’s regulations, and the determination of competent courts where necessary.
The developments come as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with stakeholders closely monitoring compliance with electoral laws, party guidelines, and INEC regulations governing the nomination of candidates.