By Peter Omopo
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that the ongoing nationwide electronic registration of its members is compulsory, describing the exercise as a major reform aimed at strengthening internal democracy, discipline and transparency within the party.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party said the digital registration exercise, which commenced on Monday and will run until the end of January, is neither symbolic nor optional. According to the party, the programme is designed to allow sufficient time for both existing and new members to be properly captured in a central digital database.
The APC said the initiative is necessary in a rapidly evolving democratic environment, warning that political parties that resist modernisation risk decline. It explained that the e-registration would protect the integrity of the party’s membership register by eliminating duplication, impersonation and unverifiable records.
The Lagos chapter stressed that every member must be digitally recognised and accounted for, noting that the exercise would also provide a level playing field for members by dismantling gate-keeping structures that control access to party processes.
Describing the APC as an open and expanding political movement, the party said credible congresses and transparent primaries depend on the availability of a reliable membership register. It added that the party would not return to what it termed “politics of shadows.”
The statement further noted that the digital system would strengthen mobilisation, particularly among youths and professionals, improve grassroots coordination, enhance campaign strategy and boost overall electoral readiness.
The Lagos APC expressed confidence that the e-registration exercise would reinforce the party’s position as Nigeria’s dominant political party, while urging members and stakeholders to participate fully in the process.
It warned that indifference to the exercise would amount to a disservice to the party’s ideals, adding that the APC would continue to reform and modernise its operations despite resistance from what it described as retrogressive interests.
