ADC launches digital membership portal, orders members’ revalidation ahead of 2027 polls

 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has commenced a nationwide online membership registration exercise, introducing a digital portal as part of its preparations for the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC also directed existing members to update and revalidate their membership details in compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party explained that the initiative followed the rollout of its nationwide membership registration and revalidation exercise earlier launched in Abuja, adding that the online platform was designed to simplify participation and expand access for Nigerians across the country and in the diaspora.

According to the statement, the digital registration portal will ensure compliance with new legal requirements mandating political parties to maintain a verified electronic membership register.

It noted that only members whose information is fully captured and authenticated on the party’s official digital database would be eligible to vote or contest during party primaries.

ADC said manual registration would continue simultaneously at grassroots levels nationwide to accommodate members without internet access.

“The new digital platform is aimed at removing barriers to participation, simplifying enrolment and ensuring that every eligible Nigerian who wishes to join the party can do so seamlessly and securely,” the statement said.

The party further directed members previously registered on its old platform to revalidate their membership, stressing that additional mandatory information is now required to meet updated electoral guidelines.

Meanwhile, the development comes amid adjustments to the 2027 election timetable by INEC following amendments to the Electoral Act.

The commission had initially scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and governorship and state assembly elections for March 6, 2027. However, concerns raised by Muslim stakeholders over a clash with the Ramadan period prompted a review of the timetable.

Following an amendment by the Senate reducing the mandatory election notice period from 360 days to 300 days, INEC issued a revised schedule moving the Presidential and National Assembly polls to January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections were rescheduled for February 6, 2027.

Under the revised electoral timetable, political parties are required to submit a comprehensive digital membership register to INEC on or before April 2, 2026.

While affirming its commitment to compliance, the ADC maintained that it still had reservations about certain provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which it alleged could give undue advantage to the ruling party.

The party urged support groups and interested Nigerians to utilise the opportunity by registering through its digital portal, reiterating its commitment to building an inclusive, citizen-driven political movement capable of providing credible leadership for the country.