Paul Ibe, media aide to the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to explain why it has yet to clarify its position on a Federal High Court judgment upholding the David Mark-led ADC leadership, despite its assurance that it would obey court orders ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Ibe’s reaction followed INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan’s statement that the commission would comply with court decisions concerning Atiku’s participation in the 2027 presidential race.
In a statement on X, while describing obedience to court orders as a legal duty, Ibe argued that the chairman’s assurance left unanswered questions about a July 2, 2026 judgment delivered by Justice Musa Liman, which upheld the emergence of the David Mark-led ADC leadership.
He questioned whether the judgment had been set aside and demanded that INEC identify the specific orders it considers binding, particularly those affecting the ADC leadership and its candidates.
“INEC therefore owes Nigerians a clear explanation of how it intends to reconcile the two decisions—not merely a general declaration that it will obey the judiciary,” Ibe said.
He maintained that his demand was not for INEC to disregard any court ruling but for the commission to account for both judgments and leave any conflict between them to the appropriate appellate court.
Ibe warned against what he described as selective treatment of court decisions, insisting that judgments favourable to the opposition should receive the same consideration as those that do not.
“INEC must demonstrate that its guiding principle is the law—not the political convenience of the outcome,” he added.
