National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has called on ECOWAS to caution the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission against steps that could compromise the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 general election. Mark made the demand in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with an ECOWAS pre-election fact-finding delegation headed […]

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has called on ECOWAS to caution the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission against steps that could compromise the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.

Mark made the demand in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with an ECOWAS pre-election fact-finding delegation headed by former Sierra Leone Vice President Victor Bockarie Foe.

He told the delegation that the conduct of a credible election was important not only to Nigeria but also to peace and stability across West Africa.

The former Senate President raised concerns about INEC’s readiness to organise a credible poll, alleging that the ruling party had taken control of important institutions, including the judiciary and the electoral commission.

He also accused the ruling party of making threats of violence, warning that interference with the electoral process could create serious political tensions.

Mark said the ADC remained committed to peaceful participation throughout the election period but argued that ECOWAS should not wait for tensions to escalate before addressing potential threats to the process.

He called on the regional organisation to use its early warning mechanism to encourage the Federal Government and INEC to protect the credibility of the election.

According to him, free, fair and transparent elections are necessary to prevent conflict and sustain democratic stability.

Foe assured the ADC chairman that the delegation would relay the concerns raised at the meeting, together with feedback from other political and electoral stakeholders, to ECOWAS leadership.

He said the mission was in Nigeria to assess preparations for the 2027 general election and examine the prevailing political environment.

The delegation also intends to evaluate the conditions for the elections in accordance with the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework.

Other officials on the mission 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 forms part of ECOWAS’ engagement with stakeholders as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, with electoral credibility and political stability among the issues under consideration.