INEC Recognises David Mark-Led ADC Candidates, Clears Atiku Abubakar and 470 Others for 2027 Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recognised the list of candidates submitted by the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President David Mark, clearing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and 470 other candidates for the 2027 general elections.
The development was confirmed on Tuesday by INEC National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, who disclosed that the electoral body would only recognise candidates forwarded by the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC.
PulseNets learnt that the commission granted the David Mark-led faction access to its candidate nomination portal after the Supreme Court affirmed its leadership of the party.
According to Haruna, the recognised leadership has already uploaded candidates for 471 elective positions, including one presidential candidate, 109 senatorial candidates and 360 candidates for the House of Representatives.
“Yes, we gave the Mark-led faction the code based on the recent Supreme Court judgment that affirmed his leadership of the party and the faction has since submitted most of its candidates for a total of 471 – presidential (1), senatorial (109) and House of Representatives (360) constituencies.
“The court, however, did not say we should accept any submissions by the rival faction which, in any case, had lost its appeal for recognition,” Haruna said.
PulseNets reports that the INEC official also stated that the commission would not immediately comment on the implications of the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on Monday until it receives and reviews the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling.
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“INEC cannot say anything until we see the judgment. We have to see the details of the judgment first. Hopefully, in the next two days, within 48 hours, the court should release the judgment. We will study it, and then the commission will take a position,” he added.
The clarification comes as political stakeholders continue to monitor the legal dispute over the ADC leadership ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
