The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that it will recognise only the candidates submitted by the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general election, including the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and 470 other candidates.
The commission said the recognised list comprises candidates nominated for 471 elective positions across the country, reaffirming that only submissions made by the David Mark-led faction are valid. The clarification comes amid a leadership dispute within the opposition party over control of its nomination process.
INEC’s position follows allegations by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that a rival ADC faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe had been granted access to the commission’s nomination portal to upload candidates. The electoral body, however, dismissed the allegation, stating that Gombe never accessed the portal and that documents circulating online suggesting otherwise were forged.
Reacting to the development, the ADC welcomed INEC’s clarification, saying it confirmed that claims by the Gombe faction about uploading candidates were false. The party also called on security agencies to investigate and prosecute anyone responsible for circulating forged documents capable of misleading the public and undermining confidence in the electoral process.
The latest clarification is expected to strengthen the position of the David Mark-led leadership as preparations continue for the 2027 elections, while easing concerns over the authenticity of the party’s list of candidates submitted to INEC.
