2027: No Free Pass for Flawed Election, David Mark Warns
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO — The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has warned that the party will not accept the outcome of the 2027 general elections unless the process is free, fair, transparent and credible.
Mark spoke 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 former Senate President expressed concern over what he described as the abuse of the electoral process by governments in power and, increasingly, by non-state actors, warning that such practices could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
He also condemned the violence and intimidation reportedly witnessed during the recently concluded Osun State governorship election, where no fewer than 30 people were reported killed.
Mark described the development as “reprehensible and condemnable”, insisting that elections must not be reduced to contests in which political actors deploy violence to secure victory.
“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.
He said the ADC was prepared to participate in the 2027 elections, but only in an environment that guarantees voters the freedom to exercise their franchise without intimidation, manipulation or interference.
“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.
The ADC chairman stressed that the credibility of the 2027 elections remained non-negotiable, urging stakeholders to ensure that the process was transparent, inclusive and peaceful and free from the abuse of state institutions.
“For us in the ADC, the credibility of the 2027 elections must be non-negotiable,” he declared. “We expect the electoral process to be transparent, inclusive, peaceful and free from manipulation, intimidation and the abuse of state institutions.”
Mark welcomed the IRI’s engagement with political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, saying an independent assessment of the electoral environment could help identify emerging threats and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He assured the delegation that the ADC was prepared to openly share its experiences and concerns as part of efforts to address weaknesses ahead of the 2027 elections.
Responding, IRI’s African Regional Director, Jenai Cox, said the organisation was in Nigeria to assess preparations for the 2027 general elections and engage political parties and other stakeholders on the challenges confronting the electoral process.
Cox said the assessment mission would draw on observations from recent off-cycle elections, including the Osun governorship poll, before making recommendations aimed at improving the credibility and integrity of the 2027 elections.