The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has insisted that the 2027 general elections must be free, fair, transparent and credible, stressing that it will not compromise on the integrity of the electoral process.
THE African Democratic Congress (ADC) has insisted on a free ,fair and credible elections in 2027 that will meet all known international standards ,not any favour by the All Progressives Congress (APC) led Federal Government.
ADC National chairman, Senator David Mark who stated this while receiving a delegation of the International Republican Institute (IRI) on an assessment visit emphasized that the opposition party will not negotiate fairness , equity and transparency of the process in anyway.
According to senator Mark:”We appreciate IRI’s continued commitment to strengthening democracy, credible elections and good governance in Nigeria since the country’s return to democratic rule in 1999. Your Pre-Election Assessment Mission is particularly important as we prepare for the 2027 general elections.
“For us in the ADC, the credibility of the 2027 elections must be non-negotiable. We expect the electoral process to be transparent, inclusive, peaceful and free from manipulation, intimidation and the abuse of state institutions.
“We therefore welcome your engagement with political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, and we are prepared to share our experiences and concerns openly.”
The ADC National chairman said the party was deeply concerned about the abuse of the electoral process by governments in power and, increasingly, by non-state actors.
“The violence and intimidation witnessed during the recently concluded Osun State governorship election, in which no fewer than 30 people reportedly lost their lives, are reprehensible and condemnable.
“Elections should not be treated as war or a do-or-die affair. They should be a democratic process through which citizens freely choose their leaders and advance their aspirations for development and a better quality of life.
“As a political party, we want to contest elections in a secure environment that guarantees free, fair, transparent and credible elections, where every vote counts and every legitimate mandate is respected.
“We believe that an independent and credible assessment by organisations such as IRI can make a significant contribution to identifying the challenges ahead and strengthening confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
“We thank IRI for this important engagement and look forward to continued partnership in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.”
Earlier in her remarks on behalf of IRI Regional Director for Africa ,Janai Cox, the visitation was assess the preparations of the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections,stressing that the institution has being involved in Nigerian’s elections since 1999.
IRI said it has also monitored the off-circle elections so far conducted in Nigeria including the just conducted Governorship elections in Osun state.
Other members of the IRI delegation included Jendayi Frazier, former Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Bush Administration; Dan Twining ,IRI President, Sophia Moestrup, Deputy Director, West and Central Africa for NDI.
Others were Sentell Barnes, West Africa Regional Program Director for IRI;
Francis Madugu, NDI Country Director for Nigeria; Kiely Ford – IRI Program officer for Africa; Hugues Mersac, IRI Program Manager for Africa; Sunday Alao ,IRI Senior Governance Advisor; Austin Akers,IRI long term Election Analyst; Leandre Banon, IRI Long Term Election Analyst;Baiko Dass,IRI Nigeria and Etty Peter, IRI Nigeria.
