‎BY AHMED AKANBI

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‎The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Senator David Mark, has said that the party would play by the rules in 2027 but will not accept rigging.

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‎Mark spoke on Wednesday in Abuja when the Governing Council of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development visited the ADC national headquarters.

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‎The delegation was led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, as part of consultations with political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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‎Ariwoola said the Centre is committed to free, fair and credible polls and urged the ADC to ensure its candidates and members comply with Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC regulations.

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‎He also asked the party to discourage political violence before, during and after the elections.

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‎Responding, Mark said the ADC is committed to strengthening public confidence in democracy.

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‎”We are committed to playing politics in a manner that promotes public confidence in democracy,” he said.

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‎He pledged that the party would comply with INEC rules and its internal code of conduct contained in its Orange Book.

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‎Mark however warned that civility will not be mistaken for weakness.

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‎”We hold ourselves to the highest standards of good conduct. We will play by the rules. But we will not accept rigging or allow ourselves to be rigged out,” he declared.

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‎The Savannah Centre delegation included its “Council of the Wise” members – Professors Abdullahi Shehu and Azeez Musa Dankano, Executive Director Ambassador Sani Bala, Mr Tunji Lardner and Ambassador Godknows Igali.