2027: Mark asks ECOWAS to caution FG, INEC

ADC National Chairman, David Mark

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, has urged the Economic Community of West African States to warn the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission against actions capable of undermining the credibility of the 2027 general election.

Mark made the call on Thursday in Abuja when he received an ECOWAS pre-election fact-finding mission led by Victor Bockarie Foe, a former Vice President of Sierra Leone.

He said a transparent, free and fair election was critical to Nigeria’s stability and that of the West African region, urging the regional body to treat concerns about the country’s electoral process as part of its early warning mechanism for preventing conflict.

The former Senate President expressed concern over INEC’s preparedness and commitment to conducting a credible election, alleging that the ruling party had captured key state institutions, including the judiciary and the electoral commission.

He also raised concerns over what he described as threats of violence emanating from the ruling party, warning that any attempt to compromise the electoral process could plunge the country into an avoidable political crisis.

“Elections in Nigeria are critical to the stability of the West Africa region and will therefore attract global attention.

“The best way to prevent conflict, especially in relation to elections, is to ensure that it is free, fair and transparent,” he said

Mark said the ADC was committed to peaceful conduct before, during and after the elections but insisted that the party needed ECOWAS to press for credible electoral processes rather than wait until tensions escalated.

“We in the ADC have committed ourselves to the highest standards of peaceful conduct before, during and after the elections. But we need ECOWAS to join us in insisting on a credible election now.

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“This is why you must tell the Federal Government and the INEC that they must not do anything that could plunge Nigeria into needless crisis. This must form a part of your early warning signals,” he added.

The ADC chairman said the party and the regional body shared an interest in ensuring a peaceful and stable Nigeria, noting that electoral credibility was essential to achieving that objective.

In his response, Foe said the mission would convey the ADC’s concerns, alongside those of other stakeholders, to the ECOWAS leadership.

He explained that the visit was designed to assess Nigeria’s preparedness for the forthcoming general election and examine the political atmosphere ahead of the polls.

According to him, the mission’s objectives included evaluating the conditions for the effective conduct of the elections in line with the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework.

Foe also underscored the importance of peace and stability in Nigeria to the wider West African region.

Other members of the delegation included Francess Piage Alghali, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security; Julius Fofanah Sandy, representing the ECOWAS Permanent Representatives’ Committee; and Segrine Mamadou, Head of the Electoral Assistance Division.

The visit comes as political parties and electoral stakeholders prepare for the 2027 general election, with questions surrounding electoral credibility, institutional independence and political tensions expected to feature prominently in the run-up to the polls.