National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has declared that the party will challenge any move aimed at interfering with the outcome of the 2027 general elections.
Mark made the declaration on Wednesday in Abuja when the leadership of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development paid a courtesy visit to the ADC headquarters.
The delegation was led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola (retd.), who heads the organisation’s governing council, known as the Council of the Wise.
The meeting was part of the centre’s consultations with political parties and other key players ahead of the 2027 electoral season.
Addressing the visitors, Mark said the ADC was ready to comply with the electoral framework and operate within the guidelines established by the party.
He, however, maintained that respecting the rules would not mean tolerating any attempt to distort the electoral process or undermine the party’s chances at the polls.
The former Senate President called on relevant government bodies to remain impartial during the elections, warning against the use of public institutions to influence the outcome of the exercise.
Mark stressed that preserving the integrity of the 2027 elections was necessary to sustain Nigerians’ faith in the country’s democratic system.
He said the ADC had adopted strict standards of behaviour for its members and was prepared to conduct its activities responsibly throughout the election period.
According to him, the party would participate in the contest within the limits of the law but would also stand firmly against any action designed to deprive it of a legitimate electoral outcome.
Mark added that the ADC’s participation in the political process would be guided by the objective of strengthening democracy and restoring citizens’ confidence in elections.
He said the party remained committed to ensuring that political competition was conducted fairly and that voters were allowed to freely determine their preferred candidates.
Speaking separately, Ariwoola explained that the Savannah Centre was engaging political parties as part of efforts to promote a peaceful and credible electoral process in 2027.
He said the organisation wanted political parties and their candidates to publicly demonstrate their commitment to conducting themselves peacefully before, during and after the elections.
The former Chief Justice appealed to ADC leaders to ensure that their candidates, supporters and members complied with directives issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He also cautioned the party against activities capable of creating tension or encouraging violence during the election period.
Ariwoola emphasised that political organisations have an important responsibility in maintaining peace and protecting the democratic process.
He urged the ADC and other political parties to encourage their supporters to respect the law, accept the established electoral procedures and resolve disagreements through legitimate channels.
The engagement ultimately focused on strengthening cooperation between political parties and democratic institutions while promoting peaceful participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
