The All Progressives Congress (APC) e-registration exercise has seen significant developments, with Lagos State emerging as a frontrunner, recording the highest number of registered members across Nigeria. This digital initiative, designed to streamline party membership, has showcased both remarkable success in some regions and raised serious concerns about fairness and transparency in others. The APC e-registration process is a critical step for the party’s future, aiming to build a robust and verifiable member base ahead of upcoming elections.
What is APC e-registration? It is a digital membership registration exercise launched by the All Progressives Congress to enroll new and existing members nationwide using an electronic platform. This system aims to create a comprehensive and verifiable database of party members.
Lagos State, despite commencing its registration later than many others on January 5, 2026, swiftly surpassed Delta State, which had previously held the lead for nearly three months. Within a mere 15 days, Lagos recorded unprecedented numbers, positioning itself strongly towards achieving its ambitious target of registering millions of members. This rapid ascent highlights the efficacy of well-coordinated efforts and strategic mobilization within the state.
Comrade Prince Ayodele Adewale, the Lagos State Coordinator for the exercise, attributed this success to several key factors. He emphasized effective planning, close collaboration with local government stakeholders, and robust engagement with ward-level party members. Furthermore, the strategic deployment of technology for efficient monitoring and management of registrations played a pivotal role in the state’s impressive performance.
The success in Lagos was also bolstered by strong support from high-ranking officials. Adewale expressed profound appreciation to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and members of the State House of Assembly for their consistent backing. The leadership of the APC Chairman in Lagos, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, along with the state executive and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) led by Alhaji Oluyole Olusi, were also crucial in motivating party members and convening strategic planning meetings.
However, the narrative of success is not uniform across the nation. In stark contrast, serious allegations have emerged from Zamfara State regarding the integrity of the APC e-registration process. Hon. Sani Jaji, a member of the House of Representatives for Kaura-Namoda/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency, has publicly stated that subversive agents are actively working to undermine the party’s victory in the 2027 elections by denying some members the opportunity to register.
Jaji recounted his personal experience, noting that despite his prominent role as a sitting House of Representatives member and former director of contact and mobilisation for the 2023 presidential campaign, he was denied registration. He also highlighted that members of the ‘Jajiyya movement’ in Zamfara faced similar denials, suggesting a deliberate attempt to exclude specific factions from the party’s digital membership drive. This situation raises questions about fairness in the overall Nigerian political party registration update.
The lawmaker drew a concerning parallel to the events of 2015 within the then Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where similar internal machinations undermined the party’s structure, ultimately contributing to its collapse. He stressed that such actions, if left unaddressed, could severely jeopardize the APC’s prospects in future elections, making the APC vs PDP membership dynamics a relevant historical lesson.
To address these critical issues, Hon. Sani Jaji promptly met with the National Chairman of the party, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda. Jaji emphasized the urgency of understanding and rectifying these discrepancies to prevent a repeat of past political missteps. He articulated the need for transparent processes and fair access for all legitimate members seeking to participate in the party’s digital enrollment. Such efforts are vital for an effective APC membership guide.
The allegations from Zamfara underscore the importance of vigilance and accountability in political party registration, especially with the implementation of new digital systems. While the APC e-registration 2026 guide aims for efficiency and broad participation, ensuring equitable access and preventing internal sabotage is paramount for maintaining party unity and democratic principles. The party must act decisively to investigate and resolve these claims to uphold the integrity of its membership drive.
Ultimately, the success of the APC e-registration exercise hinges not just on the volume of registrations, but on the perceived fairness and inclusivity of the process. While Lagos has demonstrated how effective planning can lead to robust membership growth, the challenges faced in Zamfara highlight the persistent need for strong oversight and a commitment to democratic values within the party structure. Addressing these issues promptly will be crucial for the APC’s stability and electoral success in the coming years.
