ADC won’t allow itself to be rigged out in 2027, Mark vows

African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman David Mark has warned that the party will not accept electoral rigging in the 2027 general elections, insisting that it will follow the rules but resist any attempt to manipulate the process.

Mark spoke on Wednesday in Abuja when a delegation from the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, visited the party’s headquarters.

“We hold ourselves to the highest standards of good conduct as a political party. We will play by the rules,” Mark said.

“But we will not accept rigging or allow ourselves to be rigged out.”

The former Senate President said the party was committed to conducting its political activities in a way that would strengthen public confidence in democracy.

The meeting comes as political parties begin preparations for the 2027 elections, with concerns over credible polls and the conduct of political actors expected to feature prominently in the run-up to the exercise.

The Savannah Centre delegation was part of the organisation’s engagement with political parties ahead of the elections.

Ariwoola urged the ADC leadership to ensure that its candidates and supporters complied with the rules of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He also cautioned the party against conduct that could lead to political violence.

The Savannah Centre’s governing council, known as the Council of the Wise, was reconstituted in June to engage political stakeholders and institutions on efforts to promote peaceful, free and credible elections.