David Mark warns against rigging ADC out of 2027 elections
The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has warned 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, issued the warning on Wednesday 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 (retd.), visited the party as part of consultations aimed at promoting peaceful, free and credible elections.
Mark said the ADC remained committed to complying with electoral laws, guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its internal code of conduct.
“We hold ourselves to the highest standards of good conduct as a political party. We will play by the rules. But we will not accept rigging or allow ourselves to be rigged out,” he said.
“We are committed to playing politics in a manner that promotes public confidence in democracy.”
He said the party would also adhere to its Orange Book, which outlines its governance principles and standards of conduct.
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.
Speaking during the visit, Ariwoola said the Savannah Centre was seeking commitments from political parties and candidates to ensure peaceful, transparent and credible elections.
He urged ADC leaders to ensure that their candidates and supporters complied with INEC regulations and avoided actions capable of provoking electoral violence.
The former Chief Justice said political actors must demonstrate restraint, promote issue-based campaigns and discourage hate speech throughout the electoral process.
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.
The centre has also 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.