ADC Will Reject Rigged Elections in 2027, Says David Mark

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has stated that the party will follow electoral rules in the 2027 general elections. But he added that they will not accept any attempts to manipulate the elections against them.

Mark made this statement on Wednesday during a visit from members of the Governing Council of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development at the ADC national headquarters in Abuja.

A former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, led the group. He chairs the centre’s Council of the Wise.

A statement from the ADC National Publicity Secretary said the visit was part of the centre’s efforts to engage with political parties and other groups before the elections.

Ariwoola urged the ADC leaders to ensure that their candidates and members follow the rules set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He also advised them to avoid political violence.

Mark said the ADC aims to conduct its political activities in a way that builds public trust in democracy. "We are committed to playing politics in a manner that promotes public confidence in democracy," he said.

He assured that the party would follow INEC’s rules and its own internal code of conduct, known as the "Orange Book."

"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 stated.

INEC’s updated timetable has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for 16 January 2027. The governorship and state House of Assembly elections will take place on 6 February.

Campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections started on 19 August. Campaigns for the governorship and state assembly elections began on 9 September.

Earlier this year, the Savannah Centre restructured its Council of the Wise, with Ariwoola as chair. The council aims to engage with political leaders, electoral bodies, and other stakeholders for peaceful and credible elections.

The ADC launched its Orange Book in August. It outlines governance principles and ethical standards for its members and public officials elected or appointed through its platform.