The African Democratic Congress (ADC) said 2027 general election in Nigeria is critical to the stability of the West Africa region and will attract global attention.
ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark who spoke on Thursday when he received a delegation of the Economic Commission of West Africa (ECOWAS), said the party expects nothing short transparent and credible election from the Nigerian government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Mark in a statement by the ADC National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party is committed to peaceful conduct of the 2027 general election.
“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,” Mark said.
He expressed concerns about INEC’s level of preparedness and overall commitment to delivering a free and fair election.
Mark also highlight what he 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.
He challenged ECOWAS to join ADC 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 advised.
Earlier head of Mission, ECOWAS commission, Mr. Victor Bockarie Foeh, explained that the purpose of the visit was to assess the state of preparedness of Nigeria for the effective conduct of the general elections as well as the political atmosphere in the country in the build-up to the elections.
Foeh who was former Vice President of Sierra Leone, promised to report the ADC’s concerns as well as those of other stakeholders in the country to the regional body.
He emphasised the significance of peace and stability in Nigeria to the entire region.
