The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained why it retains Atiku Abubakar’s name as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate on its website, despite a court ruling affecting his participation in the 2027 election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the commission had not received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Federal High Court judgment.
He spoke with journalists in Abuja, stressing that INEC would not remove Atiku’s name based on reports circulating on social media.
According to him, the commission must obtain and examine official court documents before taking any action.
Amupitan explained that once INEC receives a judgment, he will review it and seek legal advice from the relevant departments. The matter will then go before the commissioners for consideration.
He added that he would personally examine the judgment and the legal processes filed in the case before deciding on the appropriate steps. The INEC chairman also addressed reports that another Federal High Court order directed him to appear in court with President Bola Tinubu’s certificates.
Tinubu was the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general election.
Amupitan said he had not received the reported court order. He maintained that the commission would review its contents before deciding how to respond.
He said INEC would rely on official court documents and legal advice when determining its next steps on both matters.
