2027: Insist on transparent elections, Mark tells ECOWAS

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark has told a delegation of the Economic Commission of West Africa (ECOWAS) to declare to the Nigerian government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that only a transparent and credible election will be accepted by the regional body.

The ADC National Chairman said this in Abuja on Thursday while receiving a delegation of the ECOWAS on what was described as a “pre-election fact-finding mission” to Nigeria ahead of the 2027 election in January.

The Head of Mission, and former Vice President of Sierra Leone, Mr. Victor Bockarie Foe, explained that part of the Mission’s objectives was to assess the state of preparedness for the effective conduct of the coming general elections as well as the political atmosphere in the country in the build-up to the elections.

While briefing the delegation, the ADC leadership expressed concerns about INEC’s level of preparedness and overall commitment to delivering a free and fair election. They also highlight what they described as “government’s capture” of state institutions, including the judiciary and the INEC as well as the various threats of violence emanating from the ruling party.

In his remarks, Senator Mark noted that election in Nigeria is critical to the stability of the West Africa region and will therefore attract global attention.

His words, “This is why we must all work together to ensure we get it right. You have made us to understand that your mission is pursuant to the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework.

“We are quite happy with this. But the best way to prevent conflict, especially in relation to elections, is to ensure that it is free, fair and transparent.

“We in the ADC have committed ourselves to the highest standards of peaceful conducts before, during and after the elections. But we need ECOWAS to join us in insisting on a credible election now. We want the same thing -a peaceful and stable Nigeria and West Africa.

“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 said.

The head of Mission, Mr. Bockarie Foh, promised to report the party’s concerns as well as those of other stakeholders in the country to the regional body, while emphasising the significance of peace and stability in Nigeria to the entire region.

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