INEC confirms Atiku Abubakar and 470 ADC candidates will contest the 2027 elections after recognising the David Mark-led party leadership
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed the clearance of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and 470 other African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidates for the 2027 general elections.
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INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna disclosed on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, that the commission would recognise candidates submitted by the David Mark-led leadership of the party following a Supreme Court judgment affirming its authority over the ADC.
The decision gives the party’s recognised leadership access to INEC’s candidate nomination portal, allowing it to submit names for various elective positions ahead of the 2027 polls.
Haruna said the David Mark-led faction had already submitted candidates for 471 positions, including one presidential candidate, 109 senatorial seats and 360 House of Representatives constituencies.
“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,” Haruna said.
He explained that the court decision did not direct INEC to accept submissions from the rival faction, which had previously lost its appeal for recognition.
The development places Atiku Abubakar, who has contested Nigeria’s presidency several times, among the major political figures preparing for the 2027 election cycle.
However, INEC said it would wait for the certified copy of a separate Court of Appeal judgment delivered on Monday before determining its full implications.
“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,” Haruna added.
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The recognition of the David Mark-led leadership is expected to shape the ADC’s preparations for the next general elections as political parties continue to position themselves ahead of 2027.
