ADC Vows to Play by the Rules but Won’t Accept Rigging in 2027

ADC's firm stance on electoral integrity

Senator David Mark, the national chairman of the African Democratic Congress, has stated unequivocally that his party will comply with electoral rules but will resist any attempt to manipulate the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the ADC national headquarters in Abuja, Mark received the Governing Council of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

The Council of the Wise, as the governing council is known, was at the party secretariat as part of its ongoing engagement with political parties and other stakeholders ahead of the 2027 elections. During the meeting, Mark emphasised that the ADC holds itself to the highest standards of good conduct and is prepared to abide by the rules governing the elections and the party's own code of conduct.

"We will play by the rules. But we will not accept rigging or allow ourselves to be rigged out," Mark declared. "We are committed to playing politics in a manner that promotes public confidence in democracy."

Savannah Centre's call for peaceful elections

Justice Ariwoola, speaking on behalf of the Savannah Centre, explained that the council was seeking the commitment of political parties and their candidates to peaceful, free, fair and credible elections. He urged the ADC leadership to ensure that its candidates and supporters complied with the rules of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and avoided conduct capable of triggering political violence.

The Savannah Centre's engagement with political actors is part of broader efforts to build consensus on the need for peaceful participation and credible elections in 2027. The council has been holding consultations with presidential candidates and other political stakeholders, with repeated calls for adherence to electoral rules, issue-based campaigns and the prevention of violence and hate speech.

Ariwoola's delegation to the ADC included prominent members of the Council of the Wise, among them Professors Abdullahi Shehu and Azeez Dankano, Executive Director of the Centre, Ambassador Sani Bala, Mr Tunji Lardner and Ambassador Godswill Ighali.

Commitment matched with demand for credible process

While the ADC leadership affirmed its commitment to peaceful democratic participation, it also insisted that compliance with the rules must be matched by a credible electoral process. The party has in recent months repeatedly called for transparent and inclusive elections and warned against manipulation, intimidation and the abuse of state institutions.

Mark's latest position places electoral integrity alongside peaceful participation as a central concern in the ADC's preparations for the 2027 polls. He reiterated that the party would respect INEC's guidelines as well as the provisions of its Orange Book, which sets out the party's code of conduct and governance principles.

The former Senate President had previously warned against the use of state institutions to manipulate the 2027 elections, stressing that the credibility of the polls must be protected at all costs.

Broader stakeholder engagement ahead of 2027

The Savannah Centre's consultation process is part of a wider initiative to engage key institutions and political actors before the 2027 elections. The council has indicated plans to meet with the President, INEC leadership, political parties, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups and other stakeholders.

These engagements are designed to foster a climate of mutual understanding and cooperation among all parties involved in the electoral process. By bringing together diverse voices from across the political spectrum, the centre hopes to build a consensus around the principles of fairness, transparency and accountability.

The ADC's warning comes at a time when concerns about potential electoral malpractices are mounting. With the 2027 elections still two years away, the party's firm stance sends a strong signal that it is ready to defend the integrity of the democratic process.

What this means for Nigeria's democracy

Senator Mark's declaration reflects a growing recognition among political leaders that the credibility of Nigeria's electoral process is fundamental to the health of its democracy. By publicly committing to play by the rules while simultaneously warning against rigging, the ADC is positioning itself as a champion of fair competition.

For voters and observers alike, such clear statements of principle offer a measure of reassurance that the 2027 elections could be conducted in an atmosphere of fairness and transparency. However, the real test will be whether these commitments translate into concrete actions on election day.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on parties like the ADC to see whether they can maintain their stance under pressure. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the promises made today will become the reality of tomorrow's polls.

What this means

Senator David Mark's resolute stance on electoral integrity sends a powerful message as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections. The ADC's willingness to commit to the rules while firmly rejecting rigging reflects a maturing democratic ethos that prioritises fairness over expediency. With the Savannah Centre leading stakeholder engagements across political divides, there is hope that the 2027 polls will be conducted in an atmosphere of peace, transparency and mutual respect. The coming months will reveal whether these noble declarations translate into genuine democratic practice, but for now, they offer a beacon of optimism for Nigeria's electoral future.