ADC Won’t Be Rigged Out In 2027, Will Defend Votes Within The Law — David Mark
The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has warned that the party will comply with electoral rules but will not accept any attempt to rig the 2027 general elections.
Mark issued the warning on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, in Abuja when he received the Governing Council of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, at the ADC national headquarters.
The Council, also known as the Council of the Wise, was at the party secretariat as part of its ongoing engagement with political parties and stakeholders ahead of the 2027 elections.
Justice Ariwoola said the Centre was seeking commitment of political parties and their candidates to peaceful, free, fair and credible elections. He urged the ADC leadership to ensure its candidates and supporters comply with INEC rules and avoid conduct capable of triggering political violence.
Responding, Mark said the ADC will play by the rules but will resist electoral manipulation.
“We hold ourselves to the highest standards of good conduct as a political party. We will play by the rules. But we will not accept rigging or allow ourselves to be rigged out. We are committed to playing politics in a manner that promotes public confidence in democracy,” he said.
He added that the party will comply with INEC guidelines and the provisions of its Orange Book, which contains 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, insisting that the credibility of the polls must be protected.
The delegation included Professors Abdullahi Shehu and Azeez Dankano, Executive Director of the Centre Ambassador Sani Bala, Mr Tunji Lardner and Ambassador Godswill Ighali.
The ADC leadership assured the delegation of its commitment to peaceful democratic participation, but insisted compliance with rules must be matched by a credible electoral process.
