ADC crisis: INEC to meet over Atiku’s 2027 presidential ticket

The Independent National Electoral Commission has said it will not take a position on the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress until it obtains and studies the certified true copy of the Federal High Court judgment which invalidated the leadership the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, will serve as Chief Host of the 2026 Annual Conference and Awards of the Crime Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CCAN), bringing the nation’s security leadership to the forefront of critical conversations on safeguarding the 2027 general elections.

The conference, scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in Abuja, comes at a crucial time as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the forthcoming elections amid growing concerns over fake news, information manipulation, electoral violence, and other security threats capable of undermining democratic stability.

INEC’s position followed Thursday’s judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the Mark-led caretaker committee and invalidated decisions taken under its leadership, including the emergence of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the commission’s next line of action following the judgment would be to first obtain the certified true copy before making any decision.

“We can’t take a position until we see the judgment ourselves. We have to get the certified true copy because we don’t take decisions or reports of what the court said based on reports because the reports could be wrong,” he said.

Haruna added that the matter would be considered at the commission’s meeting next week.

“Well, this one is very straightforward even then, we are all here till next week when the commission meets. We will have to meet over it,” he said.

Haruna also indicated that the commission would comply with any further court order arising from an appeal by the Mark-led faction.

“Obviously, if the David Mark faction should appeal, which I am sure they will, and they get an injunction for stay of execution, obviously, we’ll have to obey that judgement,” he added.

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, nullified the leadership of the Mark-led caretaker committee, declaring its emergence contrary to the ADC constitution, relevant provisions of the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.

The judgment followed a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, instituted by a former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East), Nafiu Bala Gombe, who challenged the process through which Mark and other members of the caretaker committee assumed control of the party.

Gombe had argued that following the resignation of the party’s former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, he was constitutionally entitled to take over its leadership.

He consequently asked the court to invalidate the actions of the Mark-led leadership and restrain Mark and former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, from parading themselves as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party, respectively.

Upholding the suit, Justice Lifu nullified the process through which the caretaker committee emerged and the party conducted its presidential primary that produced Atiku as its flag bearer for the 2027 elections.

The court also invalidated Aregbesola’s emergence as National Secretary, the appointments of other national officers and the nominations of candidates presented by the party for the 2027 general elections.

It further ordered INEC not to recognise or act on decisions taken at the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on July 27, 2025.

The ADC, INEC, Mark, Aregbesola and Nwosu were listed as defendants in the suit

With the theme, “Navigating Security Challenges in the 2027 Election: The Role of the Media in Combating Fake News,” the conference will bring together security chiefs, media executives, journalists, policymakers, and other stakeholders to examine emerging threats and strengthen collaboration toward peaceful, credible elections.

The decision of IGP Disu to serve as Chief Host underscores the importance of sustained engagement between security institutions and the media in addressing misinformation, promoting public confidence, and strengthening national security.

The Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, will deliver the keynote address, drawing attention to the media’s responsibility in promoting information integrity, responsible journalism, and democratic stability.

Speaking ahead of the conference, CCAN National Chairman, Festus Fifen, described the gathering as a timely intervention in Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 elections, stressing that the battle against insecurity must also be fought in the information space.

Fifen said, “As we approach the 2027 general elections, the responsibility of securing Nigeria cannot be left to security agencies alone. The media has a critical role to play in ensuring that accurate information prevails over fake news, misinformation and narratives capable of triggering tension and threatening national peace.”

He added that the conference would provide an important platform for security agencies and media professionals to exchange ideas, strengthen professional relationships and develop practical approaches to combating information-related threats before, during and after the elections.

 The conference will feature an awards presentation recognising individuals and institutions whose contributions have advanced national security, public service and professional excellence.

CCAN is therefore calling on journalists, security agencies, government officials, civil society organisations, policymakers and members of the public to participate in the conference and contribute to the national conversation on securing Nigeria’s electoral future.

The 2026 CCAN Annual Conference and Awards will be held at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja, on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

As Nigeria approaches another defining electoral cycle, the message is clear: securing the ballot also means securing the information space. The fight against fake news is a collective responsibility, and the time to act is now.