From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
National chairman, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, said the opposition party wants a situation where every vote will count in the 2027 general election.
Mark, who stated this, while receiving a Pre Election Assessment Team from the International Republican Institute ( IRI), on Wednesday, in Abuja, said the credibility of the next general election must not be negotiable.
The party chairman noted that the ADC is concerned about alleged abuse of the electoral process by the Federal Government and non state actors, in the run up to the general election.
According to him,the violence and intimidation that characterized the August 15 Osun State gubernatorial election was highly reprehensible and condemnable.
Mark said “We appreciate IRI’s continued commitment to strengthening democracy, credible elections and good governance in Nigeria since the country’s return to democratic rule in 1999. Your Pre-Election Assessment Mission is particularly important as we prepare for the 2027 general elections.
“For us in the ADC, the credibility of the 2027 elections must be non-negotiable. We expect the electoral process to be transparent, inclusive, peaceful and free from manipulation, intimidation and the abuse of state institutions.
“We therefore welcome your engagement with political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, and we are prepared to share our experiences and concerns openly.”
However, the ADC leader noted that “we are deeply concerned about the abuse of the electoral process by governments in power and, increasingly, by non-state actors. The violence and intimidation witnessed during the recently concluded Osun State governorship election, in which no fewer than 30 people reportedly lost their lives, are reprehensible and condemnable.
“Elections should not be treated as war or a do-or-die affair. They should be a democratic process through which citizens freely choose their leaders and advance their aspirations for development and a better quality of life.
“As a political party, we want to contest elections in a secure environment that guarantees free, fair, transparent and credible elections, where every vote counts and every legitimate mandate is respected.
“We believe that an independent and credible assessment by organisations such as IRI can make a significant contribution to identifying the challenges ahead and strengthening confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.”
(The Sun)
