Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race has encountered another unexpected twist, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) preparing to deliberate on the political crisis threatening the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the presidential ticket of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. Just when political supporters might have thought the road to 2027 was becoming clearer, a Federal High Court judgment has introduced another complication, leaving INEC with a rather straightforward message: nobody should expect the electoral umpire to make a decision before it examines the actual court documents.
The commission has indicated that it will consider the matter at its meeting next week after obtaining and studying the certified true copy of the judgment that nullified the David Mark-led caretaker committee. In other words, while politicians may already be calculating their next moves, INEC is not prepared to make a political or administrative decision based on newspaper headlines, political arguments or competing interpretations of a court ruling.
INEC Refuses to Rush Decision as Atiku’s 2027 Ticket Faces Uncertainty
Speaking on the commission’s next line of action, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, explained that the electoral body must first obtain the certified true copy of the judgment before determining its position. He stressed that INEC does not make official decisions based on media reports because such reports may not accurately reflect the court’s pronouncements. The commission’s position effectively means that the political drama surrounding the ADC will have to wait for the electoral umpire’s formal assessment.
Haruna also confirmed that the matter would be discussed at the commission’s meeting next week. While political actors may be eager to know whether Atiku’s presidential ticket remains recognised, INEC appears determined to follow the legal process rather than join the growing competition in political speculation. For now, the commission is keeping its cards close to its chest, leaving supporters, party officials and political observers waiting for its next announcement.
Court Judgment Throws ADC Leadership Into Fresh Political Turmoil
The controversy follows a judgment delivered on Thursday by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the emergence of the David Mark-led caretaker committee. The court reportedly found that the process through which the committee assumed control of the ADC violated the party’s constitution, relevant provisions of the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution. The ruling followed a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East), who argued that he was constitutionally entitled to assume the party’s leadership following the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu.
The consequences of the judgment extend beyond the leadership dispute. The court also invalidated decisions taken under the caretaker committee, including the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the ADC’s presidential flag bearer for the 2027 elections, the appointment of Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, other national appointments and candidate nominations. It further directed INEC not to recognise or act on decisions taken at the party’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting of July 27, 2025. However, Haruna indicated that if the Mark-led faction appeals and obtains an injunction staying the execution of the judgment, INEC would be required to comply with the relevant court order.
: The ADC crisis has now become more than an internal party disagreement, as its outcome could have serious implications for Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 presidential ambition and the party’s electoral preparations. With INEC scheduled to deliberate on the matter next week, the political community will be watching closely to see whether the commission recognises the implications of the judgment or whether a fresh court order changes the situation. For now, Atiku’s political journey through the ADC faces another major test, and OGM News NG will continue to monitor developments as this unfolding political drama takes another turn.
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