The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has said the commission will abide by the court’s decision on whether former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar can contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Amupitan spoke on Thursday during a dialogue at Chatham House in London, organised in partnership with the Kimpact Development Initiative.

Responding to a question on Atiku’s eligibility amid the leadership dispute involving the faction led by former Senate President David Mark, Amupitan said INEC was constitutionally obligated to obey court orders, particularly those issued by the Supreme Court.

He said the commission would comply with the court’s decision regardless of public reactions, referring to Section 285 of the Constitution.

Amupitan said INEC had called for an accelerated hearing of the ADC leadership dispute when it emerged in April, proposing that the matter be resolved within three weeks to avoid complications ahead of the 2027 elections.

He added that the commission had complied with a court directive to suspend further action and await the outcome of the case, which was subsequently taken on appeal.

The INEC chairman also disclosed that the commission had more than 300 pending court cases, expressing concern that prolonged litigation could affect preparations for the 2027 elections.

He said INEC had commenced procurement of sensitive election materials and called for reforms to ensure that pre-election disputes were resolved six months to one year before elections.

According to him, early resolution of such disputes would give the commission sufficient time to complete its logistical preparations.

By Kawthar Abdulsalami