David Mark warns that the ADC will not accept rigging in the 2027 elections, while pledging the party’s commitment to electoral rules
National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, has warned that the party will not allow itself to be rigged out of the 2027 general elections.
Also read: Jonathan, Ganduje Meet in Abuja Ahead of 2027 Elections
Mark issued the warning on Wednesday in Abuja when he received members of the governing council of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development at the ADC national headquarters.
The delegation was led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola (retd.), as part of ongoing engagements with political parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
Mark said the ADC was prepared to comply with electoral rules and conduct itself responsibly throughout the electoral process.
However, he stressed that the party would not accept any attempt to manipulate the outcome of the polls.
“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,” Mark said.
The former Senate President said the ADC would comply with guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission as well as provisions contained in the party’s Orange Book.
The Orange Book outlines the party’s code of conduct and governance principles, according to the report.
Mark also said the party was committed to conducting its political activities in a manner capable of strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
“We are committed to playing politics in a manner that promotes public confidence in democracy.”
His comments come amid growing preparations by political parties and other stakeholders for the 2027 general elections.
Mark had previously warned against the use of state institutions to influence the outcome of the 2027 elections, insisting that the credibility of the polls must be protected.
The latest warning reinforces the ADC’s stated position that it intends to participate in the electoral process while resisting any action it believes could undermine the fairness of the contest.
Speaking during the visit, Ariwoola said the Savannah Centre was seeking commitments from political parties and candidates towards peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.
He urged the ADC leadership to ensure that its candidates and supporters obey INEC rules and avoid actions capable of triggering political violence.
The visit formed part of continuing engagements by the centre’s Council of the Wise with political parties and other stakeholders ahead of the elections.
The council was reconstituted in June with a mandate to promote credible elections and engage political actors, electoral authorities, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, as well as civil society organisations.
Also read: Jonathan, Ganduje Meet in Abuja Ahead of 2027 Elections
With political activities gathering momentum ahead of 2027, Mark’s remarks signal the ADC’s determination to compete within the rules while remaining firmly opposed to any attempt to undermine its participation in the electoral process.
