The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will obey the courts’ final decision on Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 presidential ambition.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, gave the assurance on Thursday at Chatham House in London.
He spoke during a dialogue on Nigeria’s 2027 elections. The Kimpact Development Initiative organised the event alongside Chatham House.
A participant asked whether Atiku could contest under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The question centred on a court ruling against the party’s leadership.
Amupitan said INEC must respect court orders, especially decisions from the Supreme Court.
“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.
He acknowledged that Nigerians might criticise INEC for implementing politically sensitive judgments. However, he insisted that the commission must follow the law.
ADC leadership crisis raises questions over Atiku’s candidacy
The controversy follows a November 5 judgment by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The judge nullified the emergence of the ADC leadership led by former Senate President David Mark.
Former ADC Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, filed the suit challenging the leadership arrangement.
The judgment invalidated actions taken by the Mark-led leadership. It also affected decisions from the party’s July 27, 2025, National Executive Committee meeting.
These developments have raised questions about the validity of decisions taken under that leadership, including Atiku’s nomination.
However, the ADC has rejected the judgment and vowed to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.
The party has also applied for a stay of execution. The court had yet to grant that application in the reports reviewed.
Atiku has maintained that he remains in the presidential race. He also vowed to challenge the ruling.
Meanwhile, an ADC lawyer argued that the judgment did not expressly cancel Atiku’s nomination. This position adds another layer to the ongoing legal dispute.
INEC faces more than 300 pending court cases
Amupitan also revealed that INEC faces more than 300 pending court cases.
He warned that prolonged litigation could disrupt the commission’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
According to him, INEC pushed for a quick resolution when the ADC leadership dispute emerged in April.
“When it happened in April, the position of the commission was that the matter should be resolved within three weeks,” he said.
He explained that INEC obeyed a court directive to suspend action while the dispute continued.
The commission has also started procuring sensitive materials for the elections.
Amupitan wants authorities to resolve pre-election disputes six months to one year before voting.
He said early decisions would give INEC enough time to plan logistics and prepare for the polls.
The chairman also expressed concern about the public criticism that often follows the commission’s implementation of court orders.
Atiku’s 2027 ambition awaits further court decisions
The ADC leadership dispute continues to create uncertainty around the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
However, the legal battle remains ongoing, and the appeal could change the situation.
INEC says it will follow the courts’ decisions as the case progresses.
For now, Amupitan has made the commission’s position clear: it will not disregard valid court orders when determining the party’s electoral status.
