The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has issued a warning that the party will resist any attempt to manipulate the 2027 general elections or exclude it from the electoral contest through rigging. Mark, a former Senate President, made this statement in Abuja while receiving members of the governing council of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development at the party's national headquarters.
The delegation, led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, visited the party as part of consultations aimed at promoting peaceful, free, and credible elections. During the visit, Mark emphasized the party's commitment to complying with electoral laws, guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and its internal code of conduct.
Mark stated that the ADC remains committed to playing by the rules and upholding the highest standards of good conduct as a political party. He stressed that the party will not accept rigging or allow itself to be rigged out of the electoral process. Mark also highlighted the party's Orange Book, which outlines its governance principles and standards of conduct.
The Savannah Centre's governing council, known as the Council of the Wise, was reconstituted in June to strengthen engagement with political parties, electoral institutions, and other stakeholders ahead of the polls. Members of the delegation included Professors Abdullahi Shehu and Azeez Dankano, the centre's Executive Director, Ambassador Sani Bala, Tunji Lardner, and Ambassador Godswill Ighali.
Ariwoola urged ADC leaders to ensure that their candidates and supporters comply with INEC regulations and avoid actions capable of provoking electoral violence. He emphasized the need for political actors to demonstrate restraint, promote issue-based campaigns, and discourage hate speech throughout the electoral process.
The centre has outlined plans to engage President Bola Tinubu, INEC officials, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to promote credible elections. Mark had previously expressed concern over the possible misuse of state institutions during the elections, insisting that the credibility of the electoral process must be protected.
The ADC's commitment to promoting peaceful and credible elections is in line with the centre's objectives. The party's leadership has reiterated its commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring that the electoral process is free, fair, and transparent.
Key points
- The African Democratic Congress (ADC) will resist any attempt to manipulate the 2027 general elections or exclude it from the electoral contest through rigging.
- The party remains committed to complying with electoral laws, guidelines issued by INEC, and its internal code of conduct.
- The Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development is seeking commitments from political parties and candidates to ensure peaceful, transparent, and credible elections.
