This stance was articulated during a recent visit by the Governing Council of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, including former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, to the ADC headquarters in Abuja. The Savannah Centre plays a crucial role in facilitating dialogue among political entities to ensure credible and peaceful electoral processes.
Senator Mark underscored the ADC’s pledge to fortifying public trust in democracy, emphasizing adherence to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) electoral guidelines as well as the party’s own code of conduct, encapsulated in its Orange Book. Nonetheless, he made a clear distinction between compliance and acceptance of electoral fraud, vowing to confront any manipulation of the electoral system aimed at disfavoring the ADC.
Echoing similar sentiments, the ADC’s Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) called on INEC to ensure that eligible voters receive their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing that registration figures are insignificant without the actual collection of PVCs. The ADC-PCC insisted on INEC’s neutrality and transparency and cautioned against favoritism towards the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The council’s Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, emphasized that actual voter empowerment stems from having PVCs rather than just being registered.
Ologbondiyan also raised concerns over administrative delays and challenges encountered by voters, particularly in opposition strongholds, advocating for decentralized PVC collection and enhanced accessibility for all voters. He reiterated the ADC’s determination to oversee INEC’s operations leading up to the 2027 elections, demanding strict adherence to the Constitution and Electoral Act to foster an equitable electoral environment.
The ADC thus calls upon Nigerians, especially first-time voters, to remain undeterred by bureaucratic hurdles and actively engage in the electoral process, ensuring their rights are protected and recognized on election day. The overarching emphasis remains on transparency, neutrality, and adherence to the rule of law throughout the electoral cycle.
