By Myke Uzendu
The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to insist that the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ensure a transparent, free and credible 2027 general election in Nigeria.
Mark made the call on Thursday in Abuja while receiving an ECOWAS delegation on a pre-election fact-finding mission to Nigeria ahead of the 2027 polls.
He said the credibility of the elections was critical not only to Nigeria’s democratic stability but also to peace and security across the West African sub-region.
According to a statement issued by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed concerns over INEC’s preparedness and commitment to conducting a free and fair election.
The ADC leadership also alleged that the government was exerting undue influence over state institutions, including the judiciary and INEC, while raising concerns about what it described as threats of violence emanating from the ruling party.
Speaking during the meeting, Mark said the forthcoming elections would attract international attention because of Nigeria’s strategic importance to the region.
“This is why we must all work together to ensure we get it right. You have made us to understand that your mission is pursuant to the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework. We are quite happy with this. But the best way to prevent conflict, especially in relation to elections, is to ensure that it is free, fair and transparent,” he said.
The former Senate President said the ADC was committed to peaceful political conduct before, during and after the elections, but called on ECOWAS to press for credible electoral processes.
“We in the ADC have committed ourselves to the highest standards of peaceful conducts before, during and after the elections. But we need ECOWAS to join us in insisting on a credible election now,” Mark said.
He added that the party wanted a peaceful and stable Nigeria and West Africa, urging the regional body to convey its concerns to the Federal Government and INEC.
“This is why you must tell the Federal Government and the INEC that they must not do anything that could plunge Nigeria into needless crisis. This must form a part of your early warning signals,” he said.
