By Yahaya Idris, Abuja
The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has declared that the credibility of the 2027 general elections must be non-negotiable, insisting that the party will accept the outcome only if the process is free, fair, transparent and credible.
Mark made the declaration on Wednesday in Abuja when he received a delegation of the International Republican Institute (IRI), led by former United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Jendayi Frazier, who is in Nigeria on a Pre-Election Assessment Mission ahead of the 2027 polls.
The ADC chairman expressed concern over what he described as the abuse of the electoral process by governments in power and, increasingly, by non-state actors.
He also condemned reports of violence and intimidation during the recently concluded Osun State governorship election, describing reports that no fewer than 30 people lost their lives as “reprehensible and condemnable.”
According to Mark, elections should never be approached as warfare or a do-or-die contest but as a democratic process through which citizens freely choose their leaders.q
“Elections should not be treated as war or a do-or-die affair. They should be a democratic process through which citizens freely choose their leaders and advance their aspirations for development and a better quality of life,” he said.
ADC Demands Free and Credible 2027 Polls
Mark stressed that the ADC was committed to participating in elections conducted in a secure environment where voters could freely exercise their franchise and every legitimate vote would count.
“As a political party, we want to contest elections in a secure environment that guarantees free, fair, transparent and credible elections, where every vote counts and every legitimate mandate is respected,” he stated.
The ADC chairman said credible assessments by independent organisations such as IRI could help identify emerging challenges and contribute to strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral 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,” Mark declared.
He welcomed IRI’s engagement with political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, assuring the delegation that the ADC was willing to openly share its experiences, concerns and recommendations ahead of the elections.
Mark also commended the International Republican Institute for its continued engagement with Nigeria on democracy, credible elections and good governance since the country returned to democratic rule in 1999.
He described the Pre-Election Assessment Mission as timely, particularly against the backdrop of concerns surrounding the conduct, security and credibility of the 2027 general elections.
IRI Assesses Nigeria’s Electoral Preparednerss
Responding, Frazier explained that the IRI delegation was in Nigeria to assess the preparedness of political parties and other stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
She said the mission would engage relevant stakeholders to gain a better understanding of Nigeria’s political and electoral environment ahead of the polls.
The engagement comes as political parties and stakeholders intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with issues surrounding electoral integrity, voter participation, security, transparency and respect for democratic mandates expected to remain central to national discussions.