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David Mark warns against use of state institutions to manipulate 2027 elections

Published

3 weeks ago

August 19, 2026

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The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has warned against the use of state institutions to manipulate the 2027 general elections, insisting that the credibility of the polls must be “non-negotiable”.

Mark also cautioned against intimidation, violence and other forms of electoral malpractice, saying the ADC expected the next general elections to be transparent, inclusive, peaceful and free from interference.

The former Senate President spoke on Wednesday in Abuja when he received a delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI), which is in Nigeria as part of its assessment of preparations for the 2027 elections.

According to Mark, the integrity of the electoral process would be critical to determining whether Nigerians would have confidence in the outcome of the 2027 polls.

“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,” Mark said.

He expressed concern over what he described as the recurring abuse of the electoral process by governments in power as well as non-state actors, warning that such practices could undermine democratic governance and erode public confidence in elections.

Mark made particular reference to the violence and intimidation reported during the recently concluded Osun State governorship election, which he said should serve as a warning ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said reports indicated that no fewer than 30 people were killed during the election, describing the development as reprehensible and condemnable.

“Elections should not be treated as war or a do-or-die affair. There should be a democratic process through which citizens freely choose their leaders and advance their aspirations for development and a better quality of life,” he said.

The ADC chairman said his party was committed to an electoral process conducted in a secure environment where voters could freely cast their ballots without fear or intimidation.

He added that every vote must count and that mandates freely given by the electorate must be respected.

His comments come as political parties and other stakeholders intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with concerns over electoral violence, the neutrality of state institutions and the credibility of the electoral process already featuring prominently in discussions ahead of the polls.

Earlier, the IRI delegation said its visit was aimed at assessing the country’s level of preparedness and engaging key stakeholders on issues that could affect the conduct of the elections.

The African Regional Director of IRI, Jenai Cox, said the organisation was conducting a pre-election assessment mission to evaluate preparations for the 2027 polls.

News

BREAKING: INEC uploads NDC’s new logo, updates party leadership

Published

33 seconds ago

September 10, 2026

Preport

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has uploaded the new logo of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, on its official website.

The commission also updated the party’s party leadership on its website, placing Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe as the National Chairman of the NDC, while Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu is listed as National Secretary.

In the new update, Mr John Odey is also listed as National Treasurer, while Mainasara Abubakar Sani is the National Financial Secretary. Similarly, Reuben Egwuaba is listed as the party’s National Legal Adviser.

The commission marked the five leadership positions as having been updated ‘by court order’, indicating that the NDC’s party logo on its platform is recognised in compliance with a court order.

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Peter Obi Departs To Germany, UK Ahead Of 2027 Elections

Published

10 minutes ago

September 10, 2026

Preport

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The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has travelled to Germany and the United Kingdom for a series of high-level engagements as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi disclosed this in a post on his social media platforms on Thursday, after returning to Abuja from visits to Benue and Plateau states.

The former Anambra State governor said his engagements in Europe focused on issues he considered fundamental to Nigeria’s future, including democracy, electoral integrity, poverty, education, corruption and healthcare.

He said the discussions also examined practical measures that could improve the lives of Nigerians and preserve their dignity.

“After returning to Abuja on 8th September 2026, following our visits to Benue and Plateau States, I travelled to Europe, first to Germany and then to the United Kingdom,” Obi stated.

According to him, he was encouraged by the willingness of international partners to support Nigeria, particularly in the education sector.

Obi said education remained the most important investment the country could make in its citizens, arguing that sustainable national development would be difficult without building the knowledge, skills and capabilities of Nigerians.

He also reiterated his call for a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s economic direction.

“We must intentionally transition Nigeria from consumption to production, from dependence to productivity, from wasteful practices to responsible resource management, and from division to a common national purpose,” he said.

The NDC candidate said his objective was to build a country where every child could access quality education, democracy would genuinely reflect the will of the electorate, healthcare would be accessible and public resources would be managed responsibly.

He added that every Nigerian should have a fair opportunity to live a dignified and productive life.

Obi’s trip comes amid intensifying political activities by presidential contenders ahead of the 2027 elections.

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, also recently departed Nigeria for the United States and Canada as part of a North American tour linked to his 2027 campaign.

Sowore is expected to engage Nigerians in the diaspora, supporters, activists and other stakeholders during his stay, while also participating virtually in campaign activities in Nigeria.

The AAC said his absence would not disrupt the #Sowore2027 campaign. It said its campaign would continue to push for what it described as revolutionary transformation, equal rights and justice, rather than a return to the existing political establishment.

Bola Tinubu; Peter Obi; Atiku Abubakar — 2027 presidential candidates: Bola Tinubu of APC; Peter Obi of NDC; Atiku Abubakar of ADC

President Bola Tinubu has also travelled to Europe, with the Presidency saying he departed Abuja for a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave.

According to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s first destination was London, United Kingdom, and he would return to Nigeria at the end of the working vacation.

The movements come against the backdrop of heightened preparations for the 2027 presidential contest, following the commencement of the official campaign period by the Independent National Electoral Commission on August 19. The 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027.