The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has debunked claims by Nafiu Bala that he was granted access to the commission’s candidate nomination portal.

The claim emerged after Bala’s faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alleged that it had uploaded the names of presidential and vice-presidential candidates through the INEC portal.

However, INEC said it did not grant nomination portal access to Bala or anyone associated with his faction. The commission maintained that access credentials were issued only to the leadership of the ADC it officially recognizes.

INEC spokesperson Mohammed Haruna said consultations with relevant officials confirmed that no upload was made by Bala’s group. He reiterated that the commission recognizes only the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the party for matters relating to candidate nominations.

The David Mark-led ADC also rejected Bala’s claims, describing them as false and misleading. The party urged INEC to investigate what it called the unauthorized use of the commission’s documents and logo.

The development marks another twist in the leadership dispute within the ADC as rival factions continue to seek recognition ahead of the 2027 general elections. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.