National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, has declared that the credibility of the 2027 general elections must be non-negotiable, urging all stakeholders to work towards a transparent, peaceful and credible electoral process.
Mark made the declaration yesterday in Abuja when he received a Pre-Election Assessment Mission from the International Republican Institute.
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, governments and other stakeholders to ensure that the 2027 polls are conducted without manipulation, intimidation or abuse of state institutions.
According to him, every vote must count and every legitimate electoral mandate must be respected if Nigerians are to have confidence in the democratic process.
“For us in the ADC, the credibility of the 2027 elections must be non-negotiable. We expect the electoral process to be transparent, inclusive, peaceful and free from manipulation, intimidation and the abuse of state institutions.”
The ADC chairman expressed concern over what he described as the alleged abuse of the electoral process by governments in power and non-state actors ahead of the 2027 elections.
He cited the violence and intimidation reportedly witnessed during the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, describing the incidents as reprehensible and condemnable.
Mark stressed that elections should not be perceived as a “war or do-or-die affair”, but as a democratic exercise that enables citizens to freely choose their leaders.
He said the ADC was prepared to participate in the 2027 elections provided the process guaranteed free, fair and credible polls and respected the choices made by voters.
The ADC national chairman also commended the International Republican Institute for its continued engagement with Nigeria’s democratic process since the return to civil rule in 1999.
He said the institute’s pre-election assessment was important in identifying potential challenges ahead of the 2027 polls and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.
Mark assured the delegation that the ADC would share its experiences and concerns with the assessment team as part of efforts to promote credible elections in 2027.
