INEC to Review Atiku's 2027 ADC Ticket Following Court Judgment

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will convene next week to discuss the implications of a Federal High Court judgment that nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by David Mark. The court ruling, which also invalidated decisions made under Mark's leadership, including the party's presidential primary that nominated Atiku Abubakar as its 2027 candidate, has raised questions about the legitimacy of Atiku's candidacy. INEC National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, stated that the commission would not take a position until it obtained and examined the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment.

The Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the Mark-led caretaker committee, citing that its emergence contravened the ADC constitution, relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, and the 1999 Constitution. The judgment was a result of a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman, who challenged the process through which Mark and other members of the caretaker committee assumed control of the party. The court ruling has significant implications for the ADC, as it invalidated not only the party's presidential primary but also the emergence of Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary and other national officers.

INEC's decision to review Atiku's candidacy is a result of the court's directive to the commission not to recognize or act on decisions taken at the ADC's 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on July 27, 2025. Haruna emphasized that INEC would not rely on media reports to determine the court's position, but rather wait for the CTC of the judgment. The commission's meeting next week will deliberate on the matter and potentially make a decision on Atiku's candidacy.

The ADC, INEC, Mark, Aregbesola, and Ralph Nwosu were listed as defendants in the suit. The court's judgment has opened up a new chapter in the leadership crisis of the ADC, with implications for the 2027 general elections. Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice-President, was nominated as the party's presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, but his candidacy is now uncertain.

INEC's compliance with the court judgment is crucial, as the commission is required to follow any further court orders arising from an appeal by the Mark-led faction. Haruna stated that if the David Mark faction appeals and obtains an injunction for a stay of execution, INEC will have to obey that judgment. The commission's actions will be closely watched, as they will have significant implications for the 2027 general elections.

The judgment also directed INEC not to recognize or act on decisions taken at the ADC's 99th National Executive Committee meeting. This has raised questions about the legitimacy of the party's actions and decisions made under the Mark-led leadership. The ADC's presidential primary, which produced Atiku as its candidate, has been invalidated, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his candidacy.

The INEC meeting next week will be crucial in determining the fate of Atiku's 2027 ADC ticket. The commission's decision will have significant implications for the 2027 general elections and the leadership of the ADC. Key stakeholders will be watching closely as the situation unfolds.

Key points

• INEC will meet next week to discuss Atiku Abubakar's 2027 ADC presidential ticket following a court judgment nullifying the David Mark-led ADC leadership.