…Leading opposition candidates now officially on the ballot as legal battles rage in court
The Independent National Electoral Commission has uploaded the names of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra Governor Peter Obi as presidential candidates for the 2027 elections, even as legal disputes swirl around the opposition platforms.
The African Democratic Congress confirmed Tuesday night that it had completed uploads for its ticket on the INEC nomination portal. National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, said Atiku will fly the ADC presidential flag with former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.
“We are pleased to announce the successful upload of the names and particulars of our presidential and vice-presidential candidates to the INEC nomination portal,” Abdullahi stated on X. He said the move reflects ADC’s bid to offer Nigerians “a credible alternative anchored on competence, unity, and national renewal.”
At the same time, the Nigeria Democratic Congress said it had also gained portal access and uploaded its ticket amid a court battle. NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, said he and Obi, the party’s presidential candidate, are now on the INEC system, with the vice-presidential candidate to be added after deposition.
Dickson disclosed that NDC had filed an appeal and a stay of execution after a Federal High Court in Lokoja on Friday set aside its December 10, 2025 judgment that formed the basis for INEC’s February 5, 2026 registration of the party. A covering letter has been served on the INEC chairman, he added.
“Nomination processes have already been concluded and, in the eyes of the law, candidates have already emerged from the party for all offices across the country in primaries observed, monitored and recorded by INEC,” Dickson said. He noted that uploads for National Assembly candidates have until August 11, while governors and State Assembly candidates have until July 17.
He thanked INEC for its “professionalism” and urged the judiciary to decide the appeal on merit, insisting that “the Nigeria Democratic Congress has come to stay and remains a duly registered party.”
With both ADC and NDC tickets now reflected on INEC’s portal, the commission appears to be proceeding with administrative processes while the courts determine the final status of the parties.