Atiku’s 2027 Presidential Ambition: INEC Reveals What Could Determine His Fate

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has clarified the commission’s position on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Amupitan stated that INEC would abide by any court judgment concerning the leadership crisis within the ADC, which has created uncertainty over the party’s preparations for the forthcoming general elections.

According to information made available to Bush Radio Academy, the INEC chairman made this clarification on Thursday during a dialogue at Chatham House in London, where he was asked about Atiku’s chances of emerging as the party’s presidential candidate amid the ongoing leadership dispute.

Responding to questions about the court ruling affecting the faction led by former Senate President David Mark, Amupitan stressed that the commission was constitutionally obligated to comply with judicial decisions.

He said, “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.”

The INEC chairman disclosed that the commission had earlier advocated an accelerated hearing of the dispute when it emerged in April, in a bid to prevent complications ahead of the 2027 elections.

Amupitan also expressed concern over the growing number of election-related cases involving INEC, warning that the pending legal disputes could affect the commission’s preparations for the polls.

He revealed that more than 300 cases were currently pending against the commission, despite the elections being approximately 66 days away.

According to him, INEC had already commenced the procurement of sensitive election materials as part of its preparations for the general elections.

He called for reforms that would ensure pre-election disputes are resolved between six months and one year before elections, stressing the importance of settling such matters early to avoid disruptions to the electoral process.

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress has rejected the November 5 Federal High Court judgment that nullified the leadership of the David Mark-led faction and announced plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.