2027: INEC will obey court ruling on Atiku’s candidacy – Amupitan

Prof. Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has affirmed that the commission will adhere to a court ruling concerning former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Speaking at a dialogue in London on the theme "Nigeria’s 2027 Elections: Democratic Trajectory and Regional Stability Beyond the Ballot," Amupitan emphasized INEC's constitutional duty to follow Supreme Court orders, regardless of public sentiment.

He stated that INEC had advocated for a swift resolution to the ADC leadership dispute in April to prevent complications in election preparations. The commission had previously suspended its actions pending the court's decision, which later went on appeal. Despite the increasing number of election-related legal cases, now exceeding 300, Amupitan highlighted the urgency of resolving such disputes well in advance of the election to allow INEC to finalize logistical arrangements.

He also acknowledged the possibility of public criticism for enforcing court orders, emphasizing the legal obligation to do so. The ADC's leadership crisis, which began with Justice Peter Lifu's nullification of the faction led by former Senate President David Mark, has further clouded the party's prospects for the upcoming elections.