The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has stated it will follow all electoral rules but will not accept any attempt to rig it out of the 2027 general elections. The party's National Chairman, Senator David Mark, made this statement during a visit by the Governing Council of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development at the ADC national headquarters in Abuja. The Savannah Centre is engaging political parties and stakeholders to promote peaceful, free, and credible elections.
Mark emphasized the ADC's commitment to conducting its activities within the law and strengthening public confidence in Nigeria's democratic process. He said the party would obey the rules of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its own code of conduct, as contained in its Orange Book. However, he warned that following electoral rules did not mean the party would accept electoral malpractice or attempts to manipulate the process against it.
The visit was part of the Savannah Centre's engagement with political parties and leaders ahead of the 2027 elections. The delegation was led by a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and included notable academics and diplomats. Ariwoola urged ADC leaders to encourage their candidates and members to obey INEC rules and avoid political violence.
The ADC Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has urged INEC to ensure that eligible voters who register for the 2027 elections can collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). The council stated that voter registration figures would have little meaning if registered voters could not collect their PVCs. This concern was raised in light of alleged delays and bureaucratic problems at PVC collection centres.
The ADC-PCC also urged INEC to remain neutral and transparent throughout the electoral process. The council's Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, stated that INEC should not take any action that could give an advantage to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He emphasized the importance of INEC focusing not only on voter registration but also on making sure registered voters could easily collect their PVCs.
To address the challenges faced by voters, the ADC-PCC suggested that INEC move PVC collection to the ward level, extend collection hours, and use technology to inform voters when their cards are ready. Ologbondiyan also urged INEC to comply with the Constitution and Electoral Act throughout the election process. The council will continue to monitor INEC's activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
The ADC remains committed to an election where all eligible Nigerians have equal opportunities to vote and where legitimate votes are counted. Ologbondiyan encouraged Nigerians, especially first-time voters, not to be discouraged by administrative challenges but to participate in the electoral process and collect their PVCs. The party's stance on electoral integrity reflects its broader goal of promoting public confidence in democracy.
Key points
- ADC warns against electoral malpractices in 2027 elections
- Party emphasizes commitment to following INEC rules and code of conduct
- ADC urges INEC to ensure easy PVC collection for eligible voters
