INEC Chairman Amupitan addresses 300 court cases ahead of 2027

Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), expressed concern over the more than 300 pending court cases as the 2027 general election approaches. Speaking at Chatham House in London, he indicated that this volume of litigation could hinder the Commission's preparations and logistics, with elections just 66 days away.

Amupitan stated that INEC must comply with court decisions, particularly regarding the eligibility of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to contest the presidential election. This legal uncertainty stems from a judgment by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 5, which nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and decisions made under it, including Atiku's candidacy.

The ADC plans to appeal the judgment, asserting that it does not invalidate Atiku's candidacy. Amupitan clarified that INEC would not act on social media reports but would wait for a Certified True Copy of any judgment to guide their decisions.