The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it is yet to receive the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the Federal High Court judgment nullifying the leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, led by former Senate President David Mark.
The commission also dismissed reports that it had removed former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, from its online portal, describing the claims as unfounded.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed this to journalists in Abuja on Friday.
Haruna said the commission had neither reviewed the judgment nor determined what steps to take because it had not officially obtained the court document.
He explained that obtaining a Certified True Copy of a court judgment could take several days, adding that it usually takes about a week to secure such documents.
The clarification comes shortly after Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC and invalidated decisions taken by the disputed leadership, including the process through which the party produced its candidates for the 2027 general elections.
The judgment followed a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former Deputy National Chairman of the party representing the North-East, who challenged the emergence of the Mark-led leadership.
The court ruled that the process through which the leadership assumed office failed to comply with relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, leading to the nullification of its actions.
However, the ADC has rejected the ruling and announced plans to challenge it at the appellate court.
The party also said it had filed an application seeking a stay of execution pending the determination of its appeal.
It urged INEC not to take any steps based on the judgment that could affect its political activities or prejudice the ongoing legal process.
The ADC further disclosed that it had formally informed the electoral commission of its appeal and the application for a stay of execution.
BEYOND POLITICS. BEYOND PROMISES. LET’S TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE OF PLATEAU.
For over a decade, the Plateau Man of the Year Awards has celebrated individuals and institutions whose leadership, service and achievements have made a meaningful difference.
But leadership is not only about recognition.
It is about vision. It is about ideas. It is about responsibility. And it is about the future we are building.
As Plateau State approaches the 2027 elections, PMYA @12 — THE STANDARD will introduce a special feature:
PLATEAU STATE GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATES’ MANIFESTO & LEADERSHIP DIALOGUE
A non-partisan, issue-based platform where participating governorship candidates will have an equal opportunity to present their vision, policy priorities and leadership agenda for the future of Plateau State.
No endorsements. No partisan preference. No special treatment.
Equal platform. Equal opportunity. Equal time.
The conversation will focus on the issues that matter:
Because before we choose leaders, we deserve to hear their ideas.
Before we debate personalities, we should examine their vision.
And before the votes are cast, Plateau deserves a meaningful conversation about its future.
This is not a campaign platform.
It is a platform for ideas, accountability and leadership.
The key commitments and policy priorities presented during the dialogue will be documented as part of the public conversation on Plateau State’s future.
PMYA @12 — THE STANDARD
Leadership Beyond Politics: Building a Legacy for Future Generations.
Avonda Richard, an ardent supporter of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) based in Ogba, Lagos State, has called for the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the domestic league, insisting that Nigeria must embrace modern football technology to improve officiating and strengthen the credibility of its football competitions.
Speaking during Sports247’s Let’s The Fans Talk programme, Richard expressed concerns over the standard of refereeing in Nigerian football, acknowledging the efforts of match officials while pointing out the challenges affecting their performance, particularly inadequate training and facilities.
“To be honest, the Nigerian officiating sometimes is really, really poor. But I must also give it to them; they are trying their best,” Richard said.
He argued that some referees lack the necessary professional training and access to adequate facilities to prepare them for the demands of the game, stressing that officiating should be treated as a serious profession that requires proper development and continuous education.
Richard maintained that introducing VAR into the NPFL would help reduce officiating errors and bring Nigerian football closer to the standards of other competitive leagues.
“VAR is not a luxury because technology is taking over. So VAR is something that Nigeria needs to introduce in the Nigerian Premier League,” he stated.
Beyond the introduction of technology, Richard also called for improved television coverage of the domestic league, noting that Nigerian football deserves greater visibility and should be accessible to supporters in the same way they follow major European competitions.
“We should be having a Nigerian professional league that people can watch, just like when we watch Premier League, Italy and Germany on the screen,” he added.
He believes that increased broadcast coverage would attract more attention to the NPFL, create greater awareness among football supporters and encourage accountability within the league.
Richard’s comments highlight the growing conversation around the need for improved refereeing standards, investment in modern technology and greater visibility for Nigerian football as the NPFL continues to seek stronger recognition within African football.