ABUJA, NIGERIA | July 13, 2026 — SUNTV Global Channel
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, of allegedly fueling the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in an attempt to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The allegations were contained in a statement issued on Monday by Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, on behalf of the Atiku Media Office.
Atiku alleged that INEC’s handling of the ADC leadership dispute was designed to advance what he described as President Bola Tinubu’s “state capture” agenda by creating divisions within the opposition.
The former Vice President questioned reports that Nafiu Bala Gombe, who claims to be the National Chairman of the ADC, was allegedly granted access to upload candidates’ names to INEC’s portal.
According to Atiku, only the party leadership recognised by the electoral commission should have access to the portal for the submission of candidates, arguing that Senator David Mark leads the duly recognised national executive of the ADC.
He maintained that if the reported access was granted to Gombe, it would contradict INEC’s own guidelines and the provisions of the Electoral Act governing political party nominations.
Atiku further argued that only candidates produced through primaries conducted by the recognised party leadership could be validly accepted under Nigerian law. He urged the electoral commission to remain neutral and avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary disputes within opposition parties.
He also called on Prof. Amupitan to uphold the constitutional responsibility of INEC by ensuring fairness, transparency, and impartiality in the administration of the electoral process.
As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not issued an official response to the allegations made by the former Vice President.
Reporting: SUNTV Global Channel
