The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will be bound by the final court decision on whether Atiku Abubakar can contest the 2027 presidential election.

What INEC said about Atiku

Speaking in London on Thursday, 12 November 2026, where he was briefing an audience at Chatham House on election preparations, INEC chairman Professor Joash Amupitan said the commission would follow whatever final ruling the courts give in the dispute over Atiku's nomination. A Federal High Court in Abuja on 5 November nullified the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and reportedly voided the primary that produced Atiku as its candidate. The ADC has appealed, and its lawyer has argued that the judgment contained no express order invalidating Atiku's candidacy.

Materials on the move

Separately, INEC National Commissioner Professor Rhoda Gumus said on Thursday that the commission had begun moving non-sensitive election materials to some geopolitical zones. Speaking while receiving a delegation from Kenya's electoral commission, she said INEC had completed nine of the 14 activities on its election timetable, finished producing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and sent the first two batches to most states. She urged registered voters to collect their cards and said staff training was under way.

Background

The presidential election is scheduled for 16 January 2027. Amupitan recently completed a tour of the six geopolitical zones to assess readiness. Separately, a Federal High Court in Kaduna on Thursday nullified an ADC primary in the state, adding to the party's legal troubles.

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has promised to deliver at least 10,000 megawatts of electricity within four years if he wins the 2027 election.

What he said

Speaking at the party's town hall meeting in Oregun, Lagos, on Thursday, 12 November 2026, which went ahead despite an attack on the venue by suspected thugs that morning, Obi said unreliable electricity was one of the biggest obstacles to economic growth and industrialisation. He said his government would declare an immediate state of emergency on security, education and electricity, and would generate, transmit and distribute at least 10,000MW. He said Nigeria currently generates and distributes roughly 4,000MW, and compared the country's power supply unfavourably with South Africa's.

Background

Power supply has long been one of Nigeria's most persistent problems. President Bola Tinubu's government has begun a ₦30bn programme to distribute free prepaid meters. The presidential election is scheduled for 16 January 2027.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to take personal responsibility for worsening insecurity in Nigeria.

The figures

In a statement issued on Thursday, 12 November 2026, by Phrank Shaibu, director of strategic communication for his campaign, Atiku cited a security tracker run by the Centre for Democracy and Development, which recorded 638 people killed in insecurity incidents in October, up from 396 in September. The North-East accounted for 409 of the deaths. He also pointed to United Nations figures showing that nearly 64,000 people have fled violence in northern Nigeria and crossed into Niger.

His demand

The statement said the President should accept responsibility for the security situation rather than blame others.

Background

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has made insecurity and the economy key themes of his campaign. This week the DSS intercepted a large weapons consignment in Sokoto State. The Presidency had not responded to the statement at the time of writing. The presidential election is scheduled for 16 January 2027.

Veteran Fuji musician Adewale Ayuba has declared his support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election, explaining why he changed his stance on campaigning for politicians.

What he said

In an interview reported on Thursday, 12 November 2026, Ayuba said he had previously stayed away from political campaigns because he wanted to judge the President's performance for himself. He said his decision was based on what he had personally experienced, not on politicians' promises. He pointed to five major roads leading into his hometown of Ikenne in Ogun State, which he said were now in good condition, and recalled how difficult it was to get fuel for his band's trucks early in his career, saying fuel is now easier to access. He also said parents can now be more confident their children will graduate on time because of fewer strikes by university lecturers.

His message

Ayuba urged Nigerians to acknowledge improvements when they happen instead of focusing only on the negatives.

Background

Celebrities have been increasingly vocal on both sides of the 2027 race.