The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, has called for a credible and transparent 2027 general election, warning against the use of state institutions to influence the outcome of the polls.
Mark also condemned electoral violence, intimidation and other forms of malpractice, stressing that the ADC expects the next general election to be peaceful, inclusive and free from interference.
The Punch reported that the former Senate President spoke on Wednesday in Abuja when he received a delegation from the International Republican Institute, which was in Nigeria to assess preparations for the 2027 elections.
Mark said the credibility of the electoral process would play a major role in determining public confidence in the outcome of the polls.
“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 said.
He expressed concern over the repeated manipulation of electoral processes by governments in power and non-state actors, warning that such practices could weaken democratic institutions and reduce public trust in elections.
Mark also cited reports of violence and intimidation during the recently concluded Osun State governorship election, describing the incident as a warning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He claimed that no fewer than 30 people were killed during the election and described the reported deaths as reprehensible and condemnable.
“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.
The ADC chairman said his party remained committed to ensuring that elections were conducted in a secure environment where voters could exercise their franchise without fear.
He further stressed that every vote must count and that mandates freely given by the electorate should be respected.
Mark’s comments come as political parties and other stakeholders intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with electoral violence, the neutrality of state institutions and the credibility of the electoral process emerging as major issues.
Earlier, the IRI delegation said its visit was designed to assess Nigeria’s preparedness for the polls and engage political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders on issues that could affect the elections.
The African Regional Director of IRI, Jenai Cox, said the organisation was conducting a pre-election assessment mission ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said IRI had observed Nigerian elections since 1999 and monitored the recent Osun governorship election, while another delegation visited Ekiti State as part of its assessment.
Cox added that the current mission would end at the close of the week, after which the organisation would make recommendations based on its consultations with relevant stakeholders.
The delegation included former United States Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Jendayi Frazier; IRI President, Dan Twining; NDI Deputy Director for West and Central Africa, Sophia Moestrup; IRI West Africa Regional Programme Director, Sentell Barnes; and NDI Country Director for Nigeria, Francis Madugu.
