INEC Chairman Says Commission Will Obey Court Ruling on Atiku’s 2027 Candidacy

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has said the commission will comply with any court ruling on whether former Vice President Atiku Abubakar can contest the 2027 presidential election as the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Amupitan made the statement on 12 November 2026 during an engagement at Chatham House in London. He was responding to questions about a Federal High Court ruling that has raised doubts over the validity of Atiku’s nomination. The former vice president emerged as the ADC presidential candidate under the leadership of former Senate President David Mark.

“If he eventually fails, well, I am obligated under Section 285 of the Constitution of Nigeria to obey every court order, especially if it is from the Supreme Court,” Amupitan said. He added that the commission has no option but to implement judicial decisions, regardless of their political consequences.

The Federal High Court in Abuja, in a ruling delivered on 5 November 2026 by Justice Peter Lifu, nullified the David Mark led leadership of the ADC. The court declared the process that produced the leadership unlawful and set aside all actions taken under it, including the nomination of Atiku as the party’s presidential candidate. The decision has cast uncertainty over Atiku’s place on the 2027 ballot.

The ADC has indicated that it will challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal. Amupitan noted that INEC is already dealing with more than 300 pending court cases, with the 2027 general election less than three months away. He expressed concern that late court decisions could disrupt the commission’s preparations, including the procurement of sensitive election materials.

Amupitan’s remarks form part of wider discussions on Nigeria’s electoral readiness ahead of the January 2027 polls.

By John James