2027: INEC chairman breaks silence on Atiku’s presidential ambition amid ADC leadership crisis

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has declared that the commission will comply with any binding court judgment that could affect former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s participation in the 2027 presidential election.

Amupitan made the position known on Thursday while speaking at Chatham House in London, against the backdrop of the legal dispute over the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the platform Atiku intends to use for his presidential ambition.

Responding to a question on whether Atiku would be allowed to contest the election if he failed to overturn the judgment affecting the party’s leadership, the INEC chairman said the commission was constitutionally bound to obey court orders.

“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,” Amupitan said.

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His remarks come amid uncertainty over the ADC’s leadership following a November 5 judgment by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The court invalidated the emergence of the National Working Committee led by former Senate President David Mark and declared actions, decisions and steps taken by the affected leadership from July 29, 2025, null and void.

The ruling has generated concerns over the implications for the party’s leadership structure and its preparations for the 2027 general election, including Atiku’s presidential ambition.

However, the ADC has rejected suggestions that the judgment automatically disqualifies Atiku from contesting the presidency, arguing that the former vice-president was not expressly mentioned in the court’s final orders.

The party has since approached the Court of Appeal to challenge the judgment and also sought a stay of execution.

Amupitan’s comments underscore INEC’s position that it would not disregard judicial pronouncements in resolving disputes involving political parties and electoral participation.

The development adds another dimension to the unfolding political and legal battles ahead of the 2027 general election, with the ADC’s appeal expected to play a significant role in determining the next steps for the party and its presidential hopeful.