SNOW TV NEWS DESK
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has said the commission will respect any final court decision that could affect former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Amupitan made this known on Thursday, November 12, while speaking at Chatham House in London, where he addressed concerns surrounding Nigeria’s preparations for the next general election.
He was asked whether Atiku could still emerge as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) if the court judgment nullifying the leadership structure of the faction led by former Senate President David Mark remained in force.
Responding, the INEC chairman made it clear that the commission would not disregard the authority of the judiciary.
“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.
The controversy follows a Federal High Court judgment that has raised questions about the legitimacy of the ADC leadership structure and, consequently, the validity of decisions taken under that leadership, including Atiku’s reported emergence as the party’s presidential candidate.
The ADC has indicated its intention to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal, meaning the legal battle is far from over.
Amupitan disclosed that INEC had earlier pushed for an accelerated resolution of the leadership dispute when it emerged in April. According to him, the commission wanted the matter settled within three weeks to avoid complications as preparations for the 2027 elections gathered momentum.
He explained that INEC had complied with the court’s directive to suspend further action and await the outcome of the legal proceedings.
The chairman also revealed that the commission currently has more than 300 cases pending against it, warning that prolonged litigation could disrupt critical election preparations.
Recalling the pressure of managing legal disputes close to an election, he noted that there was a period when voting was just about 66 days away, yet several cases involving the commission remained unresolved.
Amupitan said INEC had already commenced procurement of sensitive materials for the 2027 elections, stressing that electoral preparations require certainty and adequate planning.
He consequently called for reforms that would ensure pre-election disputes are resolved between six months and one year before elections.
His comments highlight a major challenge facing Nigeria’s electoral system: political parties must resolve their internal disputes early enough to prevent court battles from disrupting the election timetable.
For Atiku and the ADC, the next stage of the legal proceedings could prove decisive. While INEC has promised to follow the law, the eventual court verdict may determine whether the former vice president’s 2027 presidential ambition can proceed under the party’s platform.
Ultimately, the matter is no longer just a political contest; it is also a test of how effectively Nigeria’s judicial and electoral institutions can manage disputes without undermining preparations for a credible election.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
