2027 Elections: David Mark Asks ECOWAS to Caution Tinubu Government, INEC

ABUJA — African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman, Senator David Mark, has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to caution the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against steps that could plunge Nigeria into an electoral crisis in 2027.

Mark made the call on Thursday in Abuja while receiving an ECOWAS delegation conducting a pre-election fact-finding mission in Nigeria.

He warned that the credibility of Nigeria’s elections was crucial to preserving peace and stability across West Africa, urging the regional body to take concerns about the forthcoming polls seriously.

In a statement issued by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party raised concerns about INEC’s readiness for the elections, alleged government influence over state institutions, including the judiciary, and threats of violence it attributed to the ruling party.

Mark maintained that free, fair and transparent elections remained the most effective way to prevent electoral disputes from turning into conflict.

“The best way to prevent conflict, especially in relation to elections, is to ensure that it is free, fair and transparent,” he said.

The ADC chairman also called on ECOWAS to work with the opposition party in demanding an electoral process that Nigerians could trust.

Mark said, “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.

“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.”

ECOWAS Delegation to Report ADC’s Concerns

Responding, the Head of Mission and former Vice-President of Sierra Leone, Victor Bockarie Foh, said the delegation would present the ADC’s concerns, together with those of other stakeholders, to ECOWAS.

Foh said the mission was examining Nigeria’s level of preparedness for the 2027 elections and the political environment ahead of the vote.

He emphasised that stability in Nigeria was critical to the wider West African region.

The delegation also included Francess Piage Alghali, ECOWAS 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.

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