2027: INEC Vows to Abide by Court Decision on Atiku’s Presidential Bid

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that it will abide by any court decision determining whether former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar can contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, gave the assurance on Thursday, November 12, during an engagement at Chatham House in London.

He was responding to a question about Atiku’s eligibility following a Federal High Court judgment that nullified the leadership of the ADC faction led by former Senate President David Mark.

The judgment also affected decisions taken by the Mark-led leadership, including the process through which Atiku emerged as the party’s presidential candidate.

Amupitan said the commission was constitutionally bound to comply with court orders, particularly decisions of the Supreme Court, irrespective of the political implications.

“If he eventually fails, well, I’m obligated under Section 285 of the Constitution of Nigeria to obey every court order, especially if it is from the Supreme Court,” he said.

The INEC chairman explained that the commission had previously pushed for an accelerated hearing of the ADC leadership dispute to prevent prolonged litigation from disrupting preparations for the 2027 elections.

According to him, INEC had recommended that the dispute be resolved within three weeks when it emerged in April.

He also disclosed that the commission was facing more than 300 pending court cases, warning that the growing number of election-related disputes could complicate preparations for the forthcoming polls.

Amupitan said INEC had commenced the procurement of sensitive election materials and stressed the importance of resolving pre-election disputes early enough to allow adequate logistical planning.

The dispute over the ADC leadership has created uncertainty around the party’s preparations and the status of political decisions taken by the affected leadership.

Atiku, who is seeking the presidency under the ADC, faces the possibility of further legal proceedings as the party’s leadership crisis continues.

Amupitan maintained that INEC would respect the final decisions of the courts and conduct its activities in line with the law.