By Gabriel Agbonika, Abuja
Former Senate President and now National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has seriously warned that his party will not accept the outcome of the 2027 general elections if the process would not be free, fair, credible and transparent.
David Mark gave the warning in Abuja while receiving a delegation of the International Republican Institute (IRI), led by former United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Jendayi Frazier, on a Pre-Election Assessment Mission to Nigeria ahead of the forthcoming 2027 general polls.
The ADC Chairman expressed concern over what he described as the abuse of the electoral process by past governments in power and, increasingly, by non-state actors.
He believes strongly that Nigeria is politically experienced enough to avoid electoral violence and intimidation allegedly witnessed during the recently concluded Osun State governorship election, stressing that the reports where about 30 people lost their lives were “reprehensible and condemnable.”
In his words, “elections should not be treated as war or a do-or-die affair. The exercise 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 that the ADC was committed to contesting elections in a secure environment where voters could freely exercise their franchise and where every 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 said.
The former Senate President is of the opinion that credible assessments by organizations such as IRI could help identify emerging challenges and strengthen 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.”
He therefore welcomed the IRI’s engagement with political parties, civil society organizations and other stakeholders, assuring the delegation that the ADC was prepared to share its experiences and concerns openly.
The ADC chairman commended IRI for its continued commitment to democracy, credible elections and good governance in Nigeria since the country’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
He described the Pre-Election Assessment Mission as particularly important given the need to address concerns surrounding the 2027 general elections.
Responding, Frazier said 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 as part of efforts to understand the political and electoral environment ahead of the polls.
