David Mark Calls for Peaceful Elections Ahead of 2027 General Polls

Senator David Mark, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has urged political leaders to cease viewing elections as a do-or-die affair. He emphasized that the integrity of the 2027 general elections must be upheld, allowing Nigerians to choose their leaders freely.

During a meeting in Abuja with a delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI), Mark condemned the violence witnessed in the recent Osun State governorship election, where over 30 individuals lost their lives. He stated that such occurrences are unacceptable in a democratic setting.

“Elections should not be treated as a battlefield,” Mark asserted. “They are a democratic process enabling citizens to select their leaders and pursue a better quality of life.”

The ADC leader expressed concern over the growing manipulation of the electoral process by both government entities and non-state actors. He called for an environment where every vote is counted and legitimate mandates respected.

“For us in the ADC, the credibility of the 2027 elections is non-negotiable,” he stressed, advocating for transparency, inclusivity, and peace in the electoral process.

Mark welcomed IRI's initiative to engage with political parties and civil society organizations, indicating the ADC's readiness to share its insights and concerns as preparations for the elections advance.

Jenai Cox, IRI's African Regional Director, stated that the mission aims to evaluate the preparations for the upcoming elections and gather input from stakeholders about potential challenges.

“Our objective is to assess how well Nigeria is preparing for the 2027 general elections,” Cox said. The IRI team has already observed the recent governorship election in Osun and engaged with various stakeholders in Abuja.

Cox indicated that the assessment would wrap up by the end of the week, followed by recommendations based on their findings from the off-cycle elections and stakeholder consultations.

Mark noted that independent evaluations from organizations like IRI could help pinpoint weaknesses in the electoral system, thereby bolstering public confidence in the electoral process.

An IRI delegation, led by President Dan Twining, included prominent figures such as former U.S. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Jendayi Frazier and West Africa Regional Programme Director Sentell Barnes.

Mark's calls for a peaceful electoral climate resonate amid rising concerns over electoral violence in Nigeria, highlighting the urgent need for reforms that protect the democratic process.