By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
A fresh controversy has erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), deepening concerns over the party’s internal stability after the media office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the party’s leadership issued conflicting statements over alleged access to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination portal by Nafiu Gombe.
The dispute followed claims by Gombe’s faction that it had successfully uploaded the names of presidential and other candidates to INEC’s nomination portal, a development that could have significant implications for the party’s preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Afrilensnews gathered that the disagreement intensified on Monday after the Atiku media office alleged that INEC granted a nomination portal access code to Gombe despite previously recognising the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC.
According to the Atiku media office, the development raises serious questions over the electoral body’s handling of the party’s internal affairs and could create uncertainty regarding the legitimacy of candidates eventually presented by the ADC.
However, the ADC leadership dismissed the allegation, insisting that no such access was granted to Gombe and maintaining that the David Mark-led National Working Committee remains the only recognised leadership authorised to interface with INEC on behalf of the party.
The conflicting claims have fuelled fresh speculation over the depth of the crisis within the opposition party, with political observers warning that prolonged leadership disputes could weaken the ADC’s efforts to present a united front before the 2027 elections.
If unresolved, the disagreement could trigger legal battles over candidate nominations, create confusion among party members, and potentially affect the validity of candidates submitted for future elections. It could also provide political opponents with an opportunity to question the party’s organisational cohesion at a critical stage of electoral preparations.
The controversy comes amid growing efforts by opposition figures to build alliances ahead of the next general election, making stability within the ADC increasingly important to its political fortunes.
The report was first highlighted by TheCable.
