INEC Maintains Recognition of David Mark-Led ADC, Confirms Atiku Among 471 Candidates

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its recognition of the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), despite a recent Federal High Court judgment setting aside the party’s leadership structure and nullifying the nomination of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In a press statement issued on Friday, November 6, the commission said its current administrative position remained guided by a subsisting Supreme Court judgment, which it described as the legal basis for its engagement with the Mark-led leadership.

INEC explained that, based on this position, it had granted the recognised leadership access to its candidate nomination portal to submit candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The commission disclosed that the ADC had successfully submitted 471 candidates for the elections, including Atiku, who was presented as its presidential candidate.

The clarification comes a day after Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered a judgment setting aside the Mark-led leadership of the ADC and voiding the party’s presidential nomination of Atiku.

The ruling followed a legal challenge over the process through which the party’s current leadership emerged. The ADC has rejected the judgment and announced plans to appeal.

INEC, however, maintained that its actions were guided by judicial pronouncements, the rule of law and its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.

The statement, signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, did not indicate any change to the commission’s existing position following the latest court ruling.

The commission’s official website also currently lists Mark as the ADC National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

INEC assured Nigerians that it remained committed to conducting free, fair, credible and inclusive elections as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.