‎BY AHMED AKANBI

‎The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded the arrest, investigation and prosecution of Nafiu Bala Gombe over an alleged forged document linked to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

‎The opposition party said INEC had dismissed Bala’s claim that he gained access to the commission’s nomination portal and uploaded candidates for the 2027 general elections, describing the document in circulation as fake.

‎In a statement on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said INEC’s confirmation that the document was forged had elevated the issue beyond politics to an alleged criminal act.

‎According to the party, falsely claiming access to INEC’s restricted nomination platform and purporting to act in the capacity of duly recognised party officials is a direct attack on the credibility of the electoral body.

‎The ADC argued that such claims threaten public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system and could create unnecessary tension ahead of the 2027 elections if not addressed decisively.

‎It therefore called on INEC to refer the matter to relevant law enforcement agencies for immediate investigation and possible prosecution.

‎The party also urged that anyone involved in originating or promoting the alleged falsehood be identified and held accountable.

‎”This is not about the ADC alone. It is about protecting the integrity of public institutions. It is about ensuring that no one believes they can make false claims that involve critical national institutions without consequences,” Abdullahi stated.

‎The party warned that failure to act could encourage the spread of similar misinformation in future elections and further erode trust in the democratic process.

‎Reaffirming its commitment to democratic values and respect for institutions, the ADC said it is confident that authorities will act in line with the law to protect the credibility of the electoral system.

‎The controversy followed INEC’s public disclaimer distancing itself from the document circulated by Bala and affirming that his claims regarding access to the nomination portal were false.