2027: Credibility Of Polls Non Negotiable – ADC

By Ayodele Oni

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has declared that 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 declared.

Mark stated that the party will accept the outcome of the 2027 general elections only if the process is free, fair, credible and transparent.

Mark made the declaration on Wednesday 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 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 the violence and intimidation allegedly witnessed during the recently concluded Osun State governorship election, saying reports that no fewer than 30 people lost their lives were “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 stressed 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.”

Mark said credible assessments by organisations such as IRI could help identify emerging challenges and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

He welcomed the IRI’s engagement with political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, assuring the delegation that the ADC was prepared to share its experiences and concerns openly.

The ADC chairman also 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.