- Atiku Camp Alleges Gombe’s Plot To Storm INEC HQ Today With ‘Bought’ State Chairmen
- David-Mark Faction Accuses INEC Of Plan To Block It From Fielding Candidate In 2027
- Cites Contradictions In INEC Records, Attempt To Create Artificial Non-Compliance With Electoral Laws
- Youth Wing Threatens Nationwide Protests Over INEC’s Decision
A political storm is brewing following claims of an “unholy alliance” between Nafiu Bala Gombe and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led y Nafiu Bala Gombe.
Paul Ibe, the spokesperson od former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and a chieftain of the ADC, has issued an alert alleging that Gombe is currently lodged at Transcorp Hotel in Abuja and has been mobilizing state party chairmen to accompany him to INEC headquarters today, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in a bid to secure official endorsement.
According to the statement, chairmen from Abia and Edo states have already suspended their congresses, reportedly after being influenced by Gombe. Critics argue that such maneuvers undermine internal party democracy and raise questions about the neutrality of INEC in party affairs.
“We have credible intelligence that Nafiu Bala Gombe is lodged in Transcorp and currently enlisting state chairmen to accompany him to INEC tomorrow being Tuesday, the 7th of April, 2026 and rubber-stamp him.
“Already Abia and Edo state chairmen have issued statements suspending the congress because he has bought them over”.
Also, the ADC faction led by David Mark has raised alarm over what it described as a calculated move by INEC to prevent the party from fielding candidates in upcoming elections.
In a detailed statement backed by what it called documentary evidence, the party alleged that the electoral body’s recent actions could create “artificial non-compliance” with electoral laws, ultimately leading to the exclusion of the ADC from the ballot.
The party said the evidence—comprising certified INEC records, attendance logs, monitoring reports, and excerpts from the Commission’s sworn affidavit before the Federal High Court—establishes a consistent account of events surrounding its leadership transition.
According to the ADC, INEC had received formal notice of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, monitored the proceedings, and documented the outcomes. The party further claimed that the Commission updated its records to reflect the emergence of former Senate President David Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
“These are not claims. They are facts contained in INEC’s own records,” the party stated.
The ADC also referenced INEC’s sworn affidavit filed in court in response to a suit involving Nafiu Bala Gombe, noting that the Commission had affirmed that the leadership transition was completed and that such internal party matters fall outside judicial interference. It added that the affidavit also recognized the leadership of the David Mark-led National Working Committee.
Despite this, the party expressed concern that INEC has now declined to receive any correspondence from the ADC pending the outcome of a case before the court—a move it described as contradictory and dangerous.
The ADC argued that the decision clashes with provisions of the Electoral Act, which impose strict timelines on political parties, including a 21-day notice requirement and submission deadlines. It noted that INEC had set May 10 as the deadline for submission of relevant documents.
“By refusing to receive communication from the ADC within this same period, the Commission is effectively preventing the party from complying with the law,” the statement said.
The party warned that this could amount to a deliberate attempt to disqualify it. “In simple terms, INEC is effectively threatening that unless the courts deliver judgment on the ADC leadership issue by May 10, it will prevent the ADC from producing candidates,” it added.
The ADC further accused INEC of undermining judicial proceedings by taking a position that could have “clear legal and operational consequences,” even as the matter remains before the court.
Calling for urgent action, the party urged INEC to reverse its stance and resume accepting all lawful correspondence from it, stressing that the Commission must uphold its constitutional duty to ensure a level playing field.
It also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant against what it described as “dangerous machinations” capable of undermining democratic processes in the country.
Meanwhile, the youth wing of the party has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission, demanding recognition of its leadership or risk nationwide protests.
Addressing journalists, ADC National Youth Leader Balarabe Rufa’i accused INEC of undermining democracy and acting beyond its constitutional powers.
He said the dispute stems from a 2025 NEC meeting that produced a leadership led by David Mark, which INEC initially recognised before reversing course amid legal challenges.
Rufa’i alleged that INEC ignored a Court of Appeal directive to maintain the status quo and unlawfully acted on unresolved matters, describing the commission’s actions as partisan.
The group demanded immediate restoration of the leadership on INEC’s portal, a public apology, and adherence to neutrality. It also called on the National Assembly to investigate the commission and consider sanctions.
Rufa’i warned that failure to comply would trigger peaceful nationwide protests, including occupation of INEC offices across the country.
He also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to take actions that could weaken opposition parties, stressing that the crisis poses a broader threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
