The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has described as ‘blatant lies’ claims that the Nafiu Bala Gombe-faction has uploaded the names of a presidential candidate and other nominees to the nomination portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

In a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said INEC does not issue nomination portal access or nomination codes to a leadership it does not recognise, adding that the Commission will not issue two codes to the same party.

Abdullahi challenged Nafiu-Gombe to provide the evidence of the purported upload, expressing optimism that the Commission will investigate the matter and take the necessary steps to correct the ‘blatant misrepresentation’.

“The African Democratic Congress, ADC, wishes to draw the attention of the media and the general public to false reports claiming that a group led by Mr. Nafiu Bala Gombe has uploaded the names of a presidential candidate and other nominees to the INEC nomination portal. The claim is a blatant lie. And it is quite easy to verify why.

“INEC does not issue nomination portal access or nomination codes to a leadership it does not recognise. Secondly, the Commission will not issue two codes to the same party.

“Otherwise, every impostor would simply upload names to the portal and proclaim themselves the authentic leadership of a political party. That is plainly not how the law or the Commission’s processes work.

“The question, therefore, is straightforward: where is the evidence of this purported upload by a group of individuals not known by law or the electoral body?

“We are also, by this statement, formally drawing the attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to what appears to be the forgery and unauthorised use of documents purportedly emanating from the Commission in a manner capable of creating confusion and undermining public confidence in its integrity and reputation as Nigeria’s electoral umpire,” the ADC statement said.

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has officially named his Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Galadima Garo, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.

The announcement was made on Monday during a strategic meeting with Federal Political Appointees serving under President Bola Tinubu at the Kano Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.

In a statement issued shortly after the meeting, Governor Yusuf’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said the decision was based on Garo’s proven loyalty, dedication and contributions to the state’s development since the current administration took office.

Governor Yusuf described Garo as a reliable and effective deputy.

“I have no regrets for choosing Garo as my Deputy in the last few months, and he has proven to be the right choice so far. I want to confirm to you that I have every confidence in him,” the governor said.

He further passed a vote of confidence on the Deputy Governor, praising his competence, unwavering commitment, and strong sense of responsibility in driving the administration’s agenda.

Yusuf called on party leaders, political appointees and supporters to remain united and committed as the government focuses on consolidating its achievements while preparing for the 2027 polls.

The retention of Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 election has been attributed to loyalty and performance.

The governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, said this while congratulating the VP on his retention, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed.

Radda affirmed that the decision reflects confidence in Vice President Shettima’s work over the past years.

“Vice President Shettima has served with diligence and the President’s decision to retain him speaks to his performance and his loyalty,” Governor Radda said.

The governor also noted that Shettima has led several critical initiatives such as chairing the Presidential Committee on MSMEs, as well as efforts on energy security and the administration’s economic policy discussions. According to him, these roles required someone with administrative experience and political judgment.

“The President’s choice to retain Vice President Shettima indicates satisfaction with his handling of these responsibilities,” Radda said.

Radda, on behalf of the government and the people of Katsina State, congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima on this retention, adding that it is a recognition of his hard work and staunch commitment to serving Nigeria.

He expressed confidence that the Vice President will continue to contribute to the administration’s success in its second term.