Opposition Raises Concerns Over Mandatory E-Membership Registration Ahead of 2027 Polls

As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, opposition parties have expressed growing unease over the mandatory electronic membership registration introduced under the Electoral Act 2026.

 

At the centre of the controversy is Section 77(4) and related provisions of the amended law, which require all registered political parties to maintain a digital membership register and submit it to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) no later than April 2, 2026, as a precondition for participating in the elections.

 

Under the new framework, only individuals whose names appear in the submitted digital register will be eligible to participate in party primaries, congresses, or conventions.

 

Opposition leaders argue that the timeline is tight and the compliance requirements stringent, potentially placing smaller or less technologically equipped parties at a disadvantage. They contend that the provisions could create structural hurdles for parties without the financial and logistical capacity of the ruling party.

 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been vocal in its criticism, warning that the short window for compliance could narrow the democratic space and exclude smaller parties from the 2027 race.

 

Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) are said to have raised concerns over the operational and financial implications of implementing the digital register within the stipulated timeframe.

 

Amid mounting anxiety, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to deliberate on the matter, as political stakeholders weigh the impact of the new requirement on the evolving electoral landscape.