Prosper Okoye
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) says more than two million Nigerians have registered as members in the first week of its nationwide electronic membership drive.
The party expects the total to reach eight to nine million before the exercise ends on 30 January 2026.
Senator Ajibola Basiru, the party’s National Secretary, told reporters in Abuja on Monday that the digital system allows real-time monitoring and verification of members.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe said the initiative aims to improve organisation and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The significance of this registration cannot be overstated,” Basiru said. “By digitally verifying all members, we ensure transparency and operational efficiency.
“As of today, just one week into the exercise, over two million Nigerians have completed registration.
“We anticipate eight to nine million members in the coming days.”
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The APC’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, instructed state coordinators to ensure all members are registered, warning that anyone who fails will be replaced.
“Elections are won at the grassroots, not at the national secretariat. Coordinators who do not achieve their targets will be removed,” he said.
Delta, Lagos, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Plateau states are currently leading in the registration drive.
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In Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia became the first APC member to register, receiving membership number 001.
Alia described his registration as a demonstration of support ahead of his re-election campaign.
But the party’s claims have drawn criticism from opposition groups. The Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) described the exercise as a potential tool for electoral manipulation.
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Acting LP National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, warned that the APC’s figures should be closely scrutinised.
Her senior adviser, Ken Asogwa, said: “The ruling party is preparing the ground for rigging the 2027 elections. If they claim to have nine million new members in just two weeks, it gives them a pretext to inflate figures during the elections.”
NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, dismissed the APC’s claims as “familiar propaganda,” noting that previous membership drives had not translated into electoral victories.“
We are used to these tricks. The figures they are touting do not reflect actual votes,” he said.
The dispute highlights rising political tension in Nigeria as the 2027 elections approach.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
