The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has said the commission will comply with any binding court ruling that affects former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election
Titiansloaded reports that Amupitan stated this on Thursday during an engagement at Chatham House in London, where he addressed concerns about the uncertainty surrounding Atiku’s political future following a recent judgment on the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The INEC chairman was asked whether Atiku would still be allowed to participate in the presidential race if the court decision against the party’s leadership remained in force.
In response, he stressed that the commission could not disregard valid judicial pronouncements, regardless of the political figures or interests involved.
Amupitan explained that INEC was constitutionally bound to respect court decisions, particularly those issued by the Supreme Court, when carrying out its electoral responsibilities.
His position comes amid legal disputes over the leadership structure of the ADC, the platform through which Atiku is expected to pursue his presidential ambition.
On November 5, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the emergence of the party’s National Working Committee headed by former Senate President David Mark.
The judge also invalidated decisions and other actions taken by the affected leadership from July 29, 2025.
The ruling has generated debate over its possible impact on the party’s political activities and Atiku’s prospects of securing its presidential ticket for the 2027 election.
However, the ADC has rejected claims that the judgment automatically prevents Atiku from contesting, arguing that the former vice-president was not specifically named in the court’s final orders.
The party has since approached the Court of Appeal to challenge the decision and has also requested a stay of execution.
The legal proceedings have left questions about the party’s leadership and its preparations for the next general election unresolved.
Amupitan’s comments indicate that INEC will rely on the outcome of the judicial process in determining how to handle any issues arising from Atiku’s candidacy.
