ADC Chairman Urges Nigeria to Ensure Credible 2027 Elections

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress David Mark met with a pre-election assessment team from the International Republican Institute (IRI) in Abuja on August 19, 2026. Mark called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure the 2027 general elections are free, fair, and transparent according to international standards, asserting that the credibility of the process must be "non-negotiable."

Mark expressed deep concern over the abuse of electoral processes by state and non-state actors. He specifically cited the August 15 gubernatorial election in Osun State, describing the violence and intimidation that reportedly resulted in at least 30 deaths as "reprehensible and condemnable."

The IRI delegation, led by President Dan Twining and African Regional Director Jenai Cox, is conducting a mission to evaluate Nigeria's preparations for the 2027 polls. The team observed off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun states to assess the environment. Cox stated that the mission would conclude at the end of the week by providing recommendations to strengthen the country's electoral preparations.