2027: David Mark Warns Against Treating Elections As War, Do-or-Die Affair

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has warned political actors against treating the 2027 general elections as a do-or-die contest.

Mark said the credibility of the 2027 elections must be non-negotiable and urged Nigerians to ensure that voters can choose their leaders freely.

He spoke on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI), which was in Nigeria for a pre-election assessment mission.

David Mark Calls For Peaceful 2027 Elections

Mark said the 2027 elections must be conducted without violence, intimidation, manipulation or the abuse of state institutions.

He also warned against turning elections into political warfare, saying the process should allow citizens to freely choose leaders who can improve their lives.

His comments came after violence was recorded during the recently concluded Osun State governorship election. According to Mark, no fewer than 30 people were reportedly killed during the election.

“Elections should not be treated as war or a do-or-die affair,” Mark said, stressing that elections should remain a democratic process through which citizens choose their leaders.

ADC Wants Credible Electoral Process

The ADC chairman said his party was concerned about the alleged abuse of the electoral process by governments in power and, increasingly, by non-state actors.

He said the ADC wants to participate in elections where every vote counts and legitimate mandates are respected.

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Mark described the credibility of the 2027 general elections as non-negotiable and called for a process that is transparent, inclusive, peaceful and free from manipulation.

He also welcomed the IRI’s engagement with political parties, civil society groups and other stakeholders ahead of the 2027 polls.

IRI Begins 2027 Election Assessment

Responding, IRI African Regional Director Jenai Cox said the organisation was in Nigeria to assess preparations for the 2027 general elections.

She said the assessment would also allow the institute to hear directly from political parties and other stakeholders about the challenges facing the electoral process.

Cox disclosed that IRI members had recently visited Osun State to observe the off-cycle governorship election. A smaller delegation also visited Ekiti State.

She said IRI has observed elections in Nigeria since the return to democratic rule in 1999, working jointly with the National Democratic Institute (NDI).

The current assessment mission is expected to conclude at the end of the week, after which the institute will make recommendations based on its observations and consultations.

Mark Welcomes Independent Assessment

Mark said independent assessments by organisations such as IRI could help identify weaknesses in Nigeria’s electoral system before the 2027 elections.

He added that credible assessments could also help strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.

The IRI delegation was led by its President, Dan Twining, while representatives of the NDI also participated in the engagement.