Atiku Alleges INEC Granted ADC Faction Unlawful Access to Candidate Portal
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of unlawfully granting a rival faction of the party access to its candidate nomination portal, describing the development as a threat to Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued by his media team, Atiku alleged that the electoral commission improperly granted access to a faction of the ADC that, according to him, lacks legal recognition within the party. He argued that the action could undermine the credibility of the candidate nomination process and create confusion within the opposition party.
The former vice president called on INEC to explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged portal access and urged the commission to uphold transparency, neutrality, and the rule of law in the administration of elections. He maintained that only the party leadership recognised under the law should be allowed to submit candidates through the commission’s nomination platform.
The controversy comes amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the ADC, with rival factions making competing claims over the party’s structure and authority to nominate candidates for the 2027 elections. The disagreement has heightened political tensions as preparations for the polls continue.
INEC has consistently maintained that access to its candidate nomination portal is granted only to the legally recognised leadership of registered political parties. The commission has also stated that it operates strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act and relevant court decisions.
The latest dispute adds another dimension to the legal and political battles within the ADC, with stakeholders closely watching how the electoral commission and the courts will resolve the issues before the commencement of the 2027 election cycle.
