APC Digital Membership Registration Sparks Debate

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has begun a nationwide rollout of its electronic membership registration portal. This marks a major shift from manual party registers to a data-driven digital system that party leaders say will strengthen internal organisation and reshape political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

The initiative, which is open to both existing members and new entrants, is part of a broader effort by the ruling party to modernise its structures. More so, this consolidates its grassroots base amid increasing defections and internal realignments across Nigeria’s political landscape.

Under the new system, APC members are issued digitally verifiable membership cards and unique identification numbers. This is linked to key national data points such as the voter identification number (VIN) and the National Identification Number (NIN).

Party officials say this will allow every member to be properly identified, counted, and mapped to polling units nationwide.

APC Digital Membership Registration Process

The digital registration drive gained momentum following high-profile defections to the APC, most notably the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. This gave the state an early start in the e-registration process and briefly placed it at the top of the national registration tally.

In Edo State, the digital registration exercise received a significant boost after Governor Monday Okpebholo. He is formally registered as the first APC member under the new electronic system in the state.

After receiving his digital membership card, the governor described the process as simple and efficient, calling on party members and intending entrants to take advantage of the initiative.

“This is about strengthening the party at the grassroots,” Okpebholo said. “Every APC member should be properly registered.”

State officials say the exercise is designed to democratise participation by giving equal opportunity to members across wards and polling units, while also building a credible database that reflects real voters rather than inflated figures.

The rollout has revived longstanding debates about digital democracy in Nigeria. Analysts note that the APC’s move builds on earlier narratives around electoral reform by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

While party officials caution that the current initiative is not an election platform, they acknowledge that it reflects a growing appetite for technology-driven political participation.

Although the registration exercise is scheduled to conclude by the end of January, party officials have hinted that timelines may be extended to accommodate rising interest nationwide. Connectivity issues remain a challenge in some areas, but organizers say these are being addressed.