CITIZENS COMPASS— The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, on Thursday, explained the eligibility of Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, as a presidential candidate during the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan said the commission would abide by the court ruling on the candidate.
Atiku is the presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The INEC chairman made this known while speaking at Chatham House in London, United Kingdom.
Fielding questions from the anchor on whether Atiku would be eligible to participate in the 2027 election if he failed to overturn the court judgment affecting the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Responding, the INEC chairman said the commission was constitutionally bound to obey court orders, particularly decisions of the Supreme Court, irrespective of their political implications.
He stressed that INEC would not disregard judicial decisions in carrying out its responsibilities.
Amupitan also disclosed that the commission currently has more than 300 pending court cases, raising concerns that prolonged litigation could affect preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He called for reforms to ensure that pre-election disputes are resolved at least six months or one year before elections.
According to him, resolving such cases early would give INEC sufficient time to prepare and organise credible elections without being distracted by prolonged legal battles.
Meanwhile, the ADC has indicated its intention to challenge the Federal High Court judgment that nullified the David Mark-led leadership of the party at the Court of Appeal.
The judgment has raised questions about the party’s leadership and the political future of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general election.
—PUNCH
