INEC breaks silence on alleged removal of Atiku, Amaechi from 2027 ballot

INEC has dismissed reports that Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi were removed from its 2027 presidential candidates’ portal following a court ruling against the ADC leadership, as the party and Atiku move to challenge the judgment.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has not received the Certified True Copy of the Federal High Court judgment nullifying Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 presidential nomination.

According to Daily Trust, INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna dismissed reports that Atiku and his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, had been removed from the commission’s portal.

“I don’t know where that statement came from. Somebody just forwarded it to me. We haven’t received the judgment yet,” Haruna said.

He explained that obtaining certified judgments takes time and confirmed that INEC had not deliberated on the ruling.

The clarification followed Thursday’s judgment by Justice Peter Lifu, which dissolved the David Mark-led African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership and invalidated its candidate nominations.

The court ruled that the leadership’s emergence violated relevant electoral provisions.

However, checks reportedly showed Atiku and Amaechi remained listed on INEC’s portal.

The ADC rejected the judgment, while Atiku vowed to appeal and continue his presidential campaign.