2027 Elections: David Mark Demands Credible, Transparent Polls

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has warned political actors against treating the 2027 general elections as a do-or-die contest, insisting that the credibility of the polls must be non-negotiable.

Mark made the call on Wednesday in Abuja when he received a delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI), which is in Nigeria as part of its pre-election assessment ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former Senate President said Nigerians must be able to trust the electoral process and accept the outcome of the election as a genuine reflection of voters’ choices.

“For us in the ADC, the credibility of the 2027 elections must be non-negotiable,” Mark said, stressing the need for an electoral process that is transparent, inclusive, peaceful and free from manipulation, intimidation and abuse of state institutions.

The ADC chairman cautioned political actors against using government institutions to influence the outcome of elections.

He also spoke against intimidation, violence and other forms of electoral malpractice, saying such practices could undermine public confidence in the democratic process.

Mark said the 2027 election should provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, with every legitimate vote protected.

He further warned against turning elections into a “war” or a do-or-die affair, urging political actors to prioritise the interests of Nigerians over personal or partisan ambitions.

Mark welcomed the IRI’s engagement with Nigerian political stakeholders, describing its pre-election assessment mission as important to efforts to strengthen democracy and credible elections.

He said the ADC was interested in a process that guarantees that every vote counts and every legitimate mandate is respected.

The ADC has increasingly positioned electoral credibility as a major issue ahead of 2027, with the party previously calling for an end to alleged manipulation, intimidation and the abuse of state institutions.

Mark’s comments come as political parties begin campaigning for the 2027 elections, putting the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process under renewed scrutiny.

The ADC chairman said the credibility of the polls would ultimately be crucial to determining whether Nigerians have confidence in the results and in the country’s democratic institutions.