APC plans deadline extension
Nigeria’s major opposition political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party and African Democratic Congress, have commenced nationwide digital membership registration exercises as part of efforts to comply with the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general election.
The development was against the stance of the opposition parties that converged in Abuja on Thursday, last week, kicking against the Electoral Act 2026 (amended), as signed by President Bola Tinubu.
The opposition parties had called on the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act, adding that what was signed gave an advantage to the ruling All Progressives Congress in the election.
After the Thursday meeting, the Independent National Electoral Commission announced it had shifted the Presidential and National Assembly elections to January 16, 2027, and governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections to February 6, 2027.
In the revised timetable, INEC asked parties to complete digital registration and submit their membership registers by April 2, 2026.
However, both the PDP and ADC claimed the notice was short and insufficient, especially for grassroots mobilisation and validation across all wards in 36 states plus the Federal Capital Territory.
They argued that the timeline was a disadvantage to the opposition parties and could impact participation in party primaries, as only fully registered members would be eligible to vote or be voted for.
Against their opposition, however, the PDP, under the leadership of Tanimu Turaki (SAN), announced in a statement on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, that the party would begin electronic membership registration nationwide on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Similarly, the ADC, in a statement on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, commenced free nationwide online membership registration, directing existing members to update and revalidate their information in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026 and the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
A source within the ruling All Progressives Congress indicated that the party may reopen its e-registration portal this week to enable more Nigerians to register as members, following consultations among key stakeholders.
In the race to beat the deadline, the PDP’s National Working Committee stated, “This exercise will begin on Monday, March 2, 2026, and will last for three weeks.
“The essence of this exercise is to compile the digital membership register in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, which requires all political parties to submit the digital register of their members to INEC.
“Registration will be held every day (except Sundays) at all ward, chapter, and state offices of the party.
“A special committee headed by the National Organising Secretary, Theophilus Daka Shan, has been set up to oversee the exercise and handle any complaints that may emanate therefrom.
“Members and the general public are encouraged to visit the nearest PDP office within their ward to register.”
Commenting on the exercise, the ADC noted, “The African Democratic Congress has officially commenced free online membership registration across Nigeria, following the successful kick-off of its nationwide registration and revalidation exercise in Abuja last month.
“The new digital registration platform, accessible via www.adcregistration.ng, is designed to enable the party to meet the requirements of the new Electoral Act 2026 regarding the digital membership register.
“Only individuals whose membership details are fully captured and verified in the party’s official digital register will be eligible to vote or be voted for in the party’s primaries.
“Members who have registered on the party’s previous platform are also required to revalidate their membership on the new digital portal to ensure full compliance with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.
“This exercise is without prejudice to our firm objections to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 that give undue advantage to the ruling party, as well as the consequential INEC timetable.
“The African Democratic Congress remains committed to building a modern, inclusive, and citizen-driven political movement capable of delivering credible leadership and a better Nigeria that works for all.”
On February 13, INEC initially scheduled the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections for March 6, 2027.
The timetable faced criticism from some Muslim stakeholders as it coincided with Ramadan.
In response, the Senate amended Clause 28 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, reducing the mandatory election notice period from 360 days to 300 days, enabling INEC to revise the schedule.
The updated timetable, issued by INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, on Thursday, rescheduled the elections.
Political parties are, therefore, required to submit comprehensive digital membership registers by April 2, 2026, before the commencement of party primaries slated for between March and April, a condition some stakeholders warned could disadvantage opposition parties.
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