2027: ADC Raises The Alarm Over Abuse Of Electoral Process By Govt, Non-state Actors

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised the alarm over what it described as the abuse of Nigeria’s electoral process by governments in power and, increasingly, non-state actors ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The National Chairman of the party, Senator David Mark, expressed the concern on Wednesday in Abuja when he received a delegation of the International Republican Institute (IRI), led by its African Regional Director, Jenai Cox.

Mark said the credibility of the 2027 elections must be non-negotiable, stressing the need for a transparent, inclusive and peaceful electoral process free from manipulation, intimidation and abuse of state institutions.

“We are deeply concerned about the abuse of the electoral process by governments in power and, increasingly, by non-state actors,” Mark said.

He condemned the violence and intimidation witnessed during the recently concluded Osun State governorship election, in which, he said, no fewer than 30 people reportedly lost their lives.

According to him, elections should not be treated as war or a do-or-die affair, but as 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,” he said.

The ADC chairman welcomed IRI’s pre-election assessment mission to Nigeria, saying its engagement with political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders was important as the country prepares for the 2027 elections.

He said the party was prepared to share its experiences and concerns with the delegation, adding that an independent and credible assessment by organisations such as IRI could help identify challenges ahead and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Mark also called for sustained efforts to ensure that legitimate electoral mandates are respected and that citizens are allowed to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.

Earlier, Cox said the IRI delegation was in Nigeria to assess preparations for the 2027 general elections and engage key stakeholders on the challenges and prospects of the electoral process.

She disclosed that some members of the delegation had recently observed the Osun governorship election, while another team had been in Ekiti for its off-cycle election.

Cox said IRI had been observing elections in Nigeria since the return to democratic rule in 1999, often in collaboration with the National Democratic Institute.

She said the pre-election assessment mission would conclude at the end of the week, after which the institute would make recommendations based on its observations from the off-cycle elections and engagements with stakeholders in Abuja.

She thanked the ADC leadership for receiving the delegation and providing an opportunity to exchange views on preparations for the 2027 general elections.