The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has warned that the party will abide by electoral rules but resist any attempt to manipulate or rig it out of the 2027 elections.
Mr Mark made the statement on Wednesday in Abuja when the governing council of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development visited the ADC national headquarters.
The delegation was led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, as part of the centre’s engagement with political parties and other stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mr Mark said the ADC would hold itself to high standards of conduct and comply with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as well as the party’s internal code of conduct.
“We hold ourselves to the highest standards of good conduct as a political party. We will play by the rules,” he said.
“But we will not accept rigging or allow ourselves to be rigged out.”
The former Senate President said the party was committed to conducting its political activities in a way that would strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He also said the ADC would follow the principles contained in its “Orange Book”, which sets out the party’s code of conduct and governance principles. (TheCable)
Calls for peaceful elections
Mr Ariwoola, who chairs the Savannah Centre’s Council of the Wise, urged ADC leaders to ensure that the party’s candidates and supporters complied with electoral rules and avoided actions capable of triggering political violence.
He said the centre was seeking commitments from political parties and their candidates towards peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.
The Savannah Centre has been engaging political actors and other stakeholders ahead of the 2027 elections, with the aim of promoting peaceful participation and strengthening confidence in the electoral process. (Premium Times Nigeria)
The ADC’s warning comes amid continuing debate over the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process, with opposition parties repeatedly calling for a level playing field and safeguards against manipulation.
Mr Mark has previously raised concerns about the possible use of state institutions to influence elections, stressing the importance of protecting the credibility of the 2027 polls.
The Savannah Centre delegation included members of its governing council, including Professors Abdullahi Shehu and Azeez Musa Dankano, its Executive Director, Ambassador Sani Bala, Tunji Lardner and Ambassador Godswill Ighali. (Punch Newspapers)
