The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that it has yet to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Federal High Court judgment that nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by former Senate President David Mark. As a result, the commission has not deliberated on the implications of the judgment or taken any decision on the matter.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, made this disclosure to reporters in Abuja on Friday. He dismissed reports that the commission had removed former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, from its portal. Haruna emphasized that the commission could not be expected to act on a judgment it had not officially received.
According to Haruna, obtaining a Certified True Copy of a court judgment takes time, usually about a week to obtain such a document from a tribunal. A check on INEC's portal on Friday showed that Atiku and Amaechi were still listed as the ADC's presidential candidate and running mate for the 2027 general election.
The clarification followed Thursday's judgment by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which nullified the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC and invalidated decisions taken by the disputed leadership. The judgment was in response to a suit instituted by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party for the North-East, Nafiu Bala Gombe, who challenged the emergence of the Mark-led leadership.
The court held that the process by which the leadership emerged did not comply with the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act and, consequently, nullified its actions. However, the ADC has rejected the judgment and announced it will appeal the decision. The party also disclosed that it had filed an application for a stay of execution pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.
The ADC urged INEC to exercise restraint and avoid taking any action that could prejudice the outcome of the legal proceedings. The party said it had formally notified the commission of the appeal and its application for a stay of execution. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has equally rejected the judgment and vowed to challenge it, insisting that his presidential ambition remains on course.
Key developments in this matter will likely unfold as the appeal and application for a stay of execution are considered. Atiku Abubakar and the ADC leadership's next steps in response to the judgment will be closely watched. The outcome will have implications for the 2027 general election and the ADC's participation therein.
Key points
- INEC has not received the Certified True Copy of the court judgment nullifying Atiku Abubakar's ADC candidacy.
- The ADC has rejected the judgment and announced plans to appeal the decision.
- Atiku Abubakar has vowed to challenge the judgment, insisting his presidential ambition remains on course.
