National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has declared that the party will abide by electoral rules in the 2027 general elections but will not accept any attempt to rig it out of the contest.
Mark made the position known on Wednesday in Abuja when he received the governing council of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development (SCDDD) at the ADC national headquarters.
Key Highlights
- David Mark says the ADC will comply with the rules ahead of the 2027 elections.
- The former Senate President warns the party will not accept being rigged out of the contest.
- Mark says the ADC will follow INEC guidelines and its own Orange Book.
- Former CJN Olukayode Ariwoola led the Savannah Centre’s Council of the Wise delegation.
- Ariwoola urged ADC candidates and supporters to avoid actions that could trigger political violence.
- The ADC is the platform on which Atiku Abubakar is seeking the presidency in 2027.
- Rotimi Amaechi is the ADC presidential candidate’s running mate.
David Mark Warns Against Rigging ADC Out of 2027 Election
Mark said the ADC was committed to conducting itself responsibly and respecting Nigeria’s electoral framework.
“We will play by the rules. But we will not accept rigging or allow ourselves to be rigged out,” he said.
The ADC chairman said the party would maintain high standards of political conduct while working to strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He stressed that compliance with electoral rules should not be interpreted as willingness to accept an election that has been manipulated.
ADC to Follow INEC Guidelines
Mark said the party would comply with guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
He also pointed to the ADC’s Orange Book, which serves as the party’s code of conduct and governance document.
According to Mark, the party’s commitment to the electoral process would be based on adherence to established rules and the protection of the credibility of the election.
The former Senate President has previously raised concerns about the potential use of state institutions to influence electoral outcomes.
His latest remarks reinforced the ADC’s position that electoral rules must apply equally to all political parties and candidates.
Ariwoola Urges ADC to Prevent Political Violence
The visit to the ADC headquarters was led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, who heads the Savannah Centre’s Council of the Wise.
The council was reconstituted in June to engage political parties and other stakeholders ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ariwoola urged the ADC leadership to ensure that its candidates, members and supporters comply with INEC regulations and avoid conduct capable of triggering political violence.
The Savannah Centre said its engagement with political parties was aimed at securing commitments towards peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.
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ADC Position on 2027 Election Credibility
Mark’s comments come amid growing political preparations for the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties increasingly raising concerns about the credibility and independence of the electoral process.
The ADC chairman did not identify any specific institution or allege that a particular rigging plan was underway.
Instead, his warning focused on the principle that while the party would respect the rules, it would challenge any outcome it believes was produced through electoral manipulation.
The position places electoral integrity at the centre of the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 polls.
Atiku Abubakar, Amaechi Lead ADC Ticket
The ADC has emerged as a major platform for opposition figures preparing for the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku Abubakar is running for president on the ADC platform, with Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.
The party is expected to intensify its mobilisation and campaign activities as political parties move closer to the 2027 elections.
Mark’s warning could therefore become part of the broader opposition campaign for stronger safeguards against alleged manipulation of the electoral process.
ADC Calls for Fair Electoral Process
The ADC leadership maintains that political parties must be prepared to compete within the rules while ensuring that the rules are applied fairly.
Mark’s statement effectively draws a line between accepting electoral regulations and accepting an allegedly manipulated result.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, the ADC is expected to continue pressing for a transparent electoral process and greater confidence in the conduct of the polls.
The party’s challenge will be to balance strict adherence to electoral regulations with its stated determination to resist any attempt to undermine its electoral chances.
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