INEC to remove Atiku from 2027 presidential ballot if he fails to overturn court judgment – Amupitan

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, has announced that the commission will strip the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, from the election ballot if he does not overturn a court ruling that disqualifies David Mark's leadership of the party. This decision was made during a recent interview at Chatham House in London.

Amupitan clarified that if Atiku fails to reverse the court order, he is legally bound to comply. He emphasized the potential consequences, stating that "the problem is transferred to you" - in this case, Atiku - if he does not follow the court's directives.

Amupitan expressed concern about the growing number of legal challenges faced by INEC, particularly with just 66 days remaining before the 2027 general election. He lamented that there are currently over 300 court cases hanging over the commission, casting uncertainty on the electoral process.

The disqualification stems from a Federal High Court decision made on November 5, 2026, which ruled that David Mark, under whom Atiku had previously been the ADC's presidential candidate, was ineligible. This ruling has raised questions about Atiku's eligibility to run in the upcoming January 16 presidential election. However, the party led by David Mark has pledged to continue fighting the decision to ensure Atiku remains on the 2027 ballot.