Ahead the 2027 general elections in the country, the leadership of the African Democratic Party (ADC) has again restated the need for a secure environment that guarantees free, fair, transparent and credible elections, where every vote counts and every legitimate mandate is respected.

The party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, stated this on Wednesday while hosting the delegations from the International Republican Institute (IRI) at a closed door meeting at the party secretariat in Abuja.

According to Mark, an independent and credible assessment by organisations such as IRI he noted, could make a significant contribution to identifying the challenges ahead and strengthening confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

While stressing the importance of such important engagement with IRI, the ADC said it was looking forward to continued partnership in strengthening Nigeria’s

“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.

“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,” it said.

The IRI delegations included its president, Dan Twining, former Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Jendayi Frazier, African Regional Director, Jenai Cox and Deputy Director, West and Central Africa for NDI Sophia Moestrup.

Others are West Africa Regional Program Director for IRI, Sentell Barnes, NDI Country Director for Nigeria. Francis Madugu, IRI Program officer for Africa, Kiely Ford, Program Manager for Africa, Hugues Mersac – IRI, Senior Governance Advisor, Sunday Alao, IRI long term Election Analyst, Austin Aker, IRI Long Term Election Analyst, Leandre Banon, Baiko Dass, and Etty Peter -both from IRI Nigeria.