ADC Alleges Coercion of Civil Servants Into APC E-Registration, Demands Probe

 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that civil servants in several states are being pressured to register in the All Progressives Congress (APC) e-registration exercise, describing the development as a violation of constitutional rights and a threat to civil service neutrality.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, the party raised concern over what it called “disturbing and widespread reports” that government workers are being compelled to enroll in the ruling party’s digital membership register.

ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, who signed the statement, said the alleged move amounts to economic coercion and forced political membership.

According to him, forcing civil servants to align with any political party as a condition for job security or career progression undermines democracy and infringes on freedom of association guaranteed by the Constitution.

“The African Democratic Congress expresses deep concern over reports emerging from several states indicating that civil servants and government workers are being coerced, under pressure from the national leadership of the APC, to register for the ruling party’s ongoing e-registration exercise,” the statement said.

ADC argued that political party membership must be voluntary and not tied to livelihood or official benefits, warning that any contrary practice would erode public trust in governance.

“It is important to reiterate that compelling any Nigerian to join a political party is a gross violation of their fundamental human rights. Freedom of thought, conscience, and association are not privileges to be granted by the ruling party,” it added.

The party further maintained that the civil service is designed to be neutral and professional, serving the state rather than any political platform, noting that alleged partisan pressure on workers could damage institutional integrity.

Describing the APC’s e-registration drive as potentially coercive, ADC said inflated membership figures obtained through intimidation would not translate into genuine electoral support.

“A database filled through coercion is a paper tiger. Databases do not vote; citizens do,” Abdullahi stated.

The party called on the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), labour unions, civil society groups and the international community to investigate the allegations and safeguard workers’ rights and data privacy.

APC had yet to respond to the claims as of the time of filing this report.