By Nefishetu Yakubu

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Sen. David Mark, has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to insist on transparent and credible elections in Nigeria.

Mark made the call on Thursday in Abuja while receiving an ECOWAS delegation on a pre-election fact-finding mission ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The ADC leadership expressed concerns over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) preparedness and commitment to conducting free, fair and credible elections during the meeting with the delegation.

Mark said Nigeria’s elections were critical to West Africa’s stability and would attract global attention, emphasising the need for stakeholders to work together to ensure credible electoral outcomes.

“This is why we must all work together to ensure we get it right. You have made us 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,” he said.

Mark said the ADC was committed to peaceful conduct before, during and after the elections, urging ECOWAS to support efforts to ensure credible electoral processes.

“We in the ADC have committed ourselves to the highest standards of peaceful conduct 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 INEC that they must not do anything that could plunge Nigeria into a needless crisis.

“This must form part of your early warning signals,” he added.

The Head of Mission and former Vice-President of Sierra Leone, Mr Victor Bockarie Foe, said the mission aimed to assess Nigeria’s preparedness for credible elections and the political atmosphere ahead of the polls.

Foe promised to convey the party’s concerns, alongside those of other stakeholders, to the regional body, emphasising Nigeria’s importance to peace and stability across West Africa.

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; and Segrine Mamadou, Head of Electoral Assistance Division.

(NAN)

NY/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru