The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has said the commission may exclude former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the 2027 presidential election ballot if he fails to overturn the court judgment nullifying David Mark’s leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Amupitan made this known during an interview at Chatham House in London, where he was asked whether Atiku could participate in the election if the judgment remained in force.

He said INEC would be bound to comply with any court order, particularly a decision of the Supreme Court.

“If he fails, I’m obligated to obey every court order, especially if it’s from the Supreme Court,” Amupitan said.

He acknowledged that implementing such court decisions could put the commission in a difficult position, adding that the responsibility would ultimately rest with INEC.

The INEC chairman also disclosed that the commission was dealing with more than 300 pending court cases, with barely 66 days remaining before the 2027 general elections.

“Over 300 court cases hanging on the neck of INEC, and the election is just about 66 days away,” he said.

A Federal High Court judgment delivered on November 5, 2026, nullified the leadership structure of the ADC led by David Mark, under which Atiku emerged as the party’s presidential candidate.

The ruling has raised uncertainty over Atiku’s participation in the January 16, 2027 presidential election. However, the David Mark-led ADC faction has vowed to challenge the judgment in court to ensure the former vice president remains on the ballot.