Senator David Mark, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has called for a peaceful approach to the upcoming 2027 general elections, urging political actors to refrain from treating the electoral process as a do-or-die affair. Mark made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI) in Abuja, where he emphasized the importance of allowing Nigerians to freely choose their leaders without fear of violence or intimidation.

Highlighting the recent violence in the Osun State governorship election, which resulted in the deaths of over 30 individuals, Mark expressed his concern that such incidents undermine the democratic process. "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," he stated.

The ADC leader stressed that the credibility of the 2027 elections must be non-negotiable, insisting that the electoral process should be transparent, inclusive, and free from manipulation. He noted the party's commitment to contesting elections in an environment where every vote counts and legitimate mandates are respected.

Mark welcomed the IRI's engagement with various political parties and civil society organizations, indicating that the ADC is ready to share its experiences and concerns as preparations for the elections progress. Jenai Cox, the African Regional Director of IRI, explained that the organization is currently assessing the preparations for the 2027 general elections and gathering insights from stakeholders about the challenges they face.

Cox revealed that the IRI team had recently observed the Osun off-cycle governorship election and had also visited Ekiti. She stated that the IRI has been monitoring elections in Nigeria since the return to democracy in 1999, in collaboration with the National Democratic Institute (NDI). The assessment mission is expected to conclude at the end of the week, after which recommendations will be made based on the observations gathered.

Mark underscored the significance of independent assessments by organizations like IRI, noting that they could help identify weaknesses in the electoral system and bolster public confidence in the electoral process. "We believe that an independent and credible assessment by organizations such as IRI can make a significant contribution to identifying the challenges ahead and strengthening confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process," he added.

The IRI delegation included notable figures such as Dan Twining, the organization's President, and former US Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Jendayi Frazier, among others. The presence of such a diverse team reflects the international community's interest in ensuring a fair electoral process in Nigeria as the nation approaches the pivotal 2027 elections.