Key Takeaways
- ADC demands arrest and prosecution of Nafiu Bala Gombe, former Deputy National Chairman
- INEC dismisses Gombe's claim of obtaining access code and uploading candidates for 2027 election
- ADC warns that allowing such claims to go unpunished could erode public confidence in Nigeria's electoral process
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the arrest and prosecution of Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) dismissal of Gombe’s claim that he had obtained the commission’s access code and uploaded candidates for the 2027 general election.
In a statement, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said INEC’s disclaimer of the document Gombe circulated amounted to a criminal attempt to undermine the integrity of the commission. The party therefore urged the commission to refer the matter to law enforcement agencies, warning that allowing “such claims to go unpunished could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.”
Implications of Gombe's Actions
The ADC said it welcomed the prompt clarification by INEC, “which unequivocally confirmed that the document circulated by Nafiu Bala purporting to show that he had obtained the Commission’s access code and uploaded candidates on behalf of the ADC for the 2027 general election was forged, and that the claim itself was entirely false.” The party noted that Gombe’s claim was capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process, creating unnecessary political tension and casting doubt on the security and credibility of INEC’s systems.
The ADC emphasized that Gombe’s actions raise serious questions that deserve the immediate attention of law enforcement agencies, as they pose a direct challenge to the institutional integrity of INEC. The party stressed that it is essential to take all necessary steps to ensure that Mr. Nafiu Bala and anyone else involved in originating or promoting this falsehood are investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Why This Matters
Protecting the integrity of public institutions, such as INEC, is crucial for preserving public confidence in the democratic process. The ADC's call for the arrest and prosecution of Nafiu Bala Gombe highlights the need for accountability and transparency in Nigeria's electoral system, and ensuring that those who attempt to undermine the process are held responsible. This is essential for maintaining the trust of citizens in the electoral process and upholding the principles of democracy.