African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman, David Mark, has raised the alarm over attempts to use state institutions to influence the 2027 elections.
Mark said the next general election must be free from intimidation, violence and interference. He also insisted that the credibility of the polls must be treated as non-negotiable.
According to Daily Post, the former Senate President spoke in Abuja on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI).
Mark said Nigerians should be allowed to choose their leaders without fear or pressure. He warned that using government institutions to favour political interests could damage public trust in the electoral process.
He also raised concerns about the growing abuse of elections by governments in power and non-state actors.
For Mark, the recent Osun governorship election should serve as a warning. He pointed to reports of violence and intimidation during the poll and said such incidents must not become normal in Nigerian politics.
“Elections should not be treated as war or a do-or-die affair,” Mark said. Instead, he wants elections where voters can freely make their choices and have confidence that their votes will count.
The ADC chairman said his party was ready to work with the IRI and other stakeholders ahead of the 2027 polls. He believes early discussions can help identify problems before they threaten the credibility of the election.
Meanwhile, IRI African Regional Director Jenai Cox said the organisation was in Nigeria to assess preparations for the 2027 elections. Cox said the team would meet political parties and other stakeholders before making recommendations based on its findings. She also noted that IRI has monitored Nigerian elections since 1999.
Mark’s warning comes as political parties intensify preparations for 2027. With concerns about electoral violence and the neutrality of state institutions already dominating political discussions, the ADC chairman wants all sides to play by the rules.
