The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has said the commission will abide by any court judgment determining former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Amupitan stated this on Thursday while speaking at Chatham House in London, where he was asked whether Atiku could participate in the election if he failed to overturn the court judgment affecting the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The INEC chairman said the commission was constitutionally bound to comply with court orders, particularly decisions of the Supreme Court, irrespective of their political implications.
“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,” he said.
Amupitan, however, expressed concern over the growing number of court cases involving INEC as preparations for the 2027 general election intensify.
He disclosed that the commission had more than 300 pending cases, warning that unresolved pre-election disputes could disrupt its preparations and logistical arrangements.
According to him, INEC had advocated an accelerated hearing of the ADC leadership dispute when it emerged in April, arguing that such matters should be resolved early enough to avoid complications ahead of the elections.
“When it happened in April, the position of the commission was that matter should be resolved within three weeks,” he said.
He explained that the commission had initially acted in line with a court directive to suspend action and await the outcome of the legal process, but the dispute subsequently proceeded to the appellate court.
The INEC chairman called for reforms to ensure that pre-election disputes were concluded at least six months or one year before general elections.
He argued that early resolution of such cases would enable the commission to concentrate on election planning, procurement and logistics without the uncertainty created by prolonged litigation.
Amupitan also noted that INEC had commenced the procurement of sensitive election materials, making unresolved political disputes a source of concern.
He warned that the commission often bears the consequences of politically contentious court decisions when it is required to implement them, despite having no control over the judicial process.
“The danger is that whenever there is such decision, and it’s you to now implement, you become the problem. The problem now is transferred unto you,” he said.
The Federal High Court had nullified the leadership of the ADC faction led by former Senate President David Mark, a ruling that has raised questions about the party’s leadership and the validity of political activities conducted under its disputed structure.
The ADC has indicated its intention to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal, while Atiku has maintained that his presidential ticket remains valid and is pursuing further legal action.