Sanwo-Olu launches APC South-West E-Membership drive to strengthen Party data

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has emphasised the critical role of accurate data and measurable outcomes in driving effective governance and strengthening party structures.

The governor made this known at the official flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-West E-Membership Registration Hands-on Device/Application Programme themed “Train-the-Trainer”, held on Tuesday at Lagos House, Marina.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu highlighted that sustainable growth, both in governance and politics, depends on credible data management and continuous evaluation. “Whatever cannot be measured cannot be managed,” he said, noting that the APC must build a reliable membership database to enhance internal communication, deepen engagement, and ensure readiness ahead of elections.

“As a political party, we must measure our members. That’s the only way we can manage effectively. We must know who our members are, where they are, and how they feel about governance. It shouldn’t only be during elections that we start running around,” he added.

The governor stressed the need for two-way communication between government and citizens, saying that accurate data would enable the APC to better understand members’ needs and public sentiment. He reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to transparency, effective data management, and people-focused governance, urging participants to strengthen the party’s digital infrastructure to sustain its winning streak.

Sanwo-Olu also commended President Bola Tinubu for introducing tough but necessary economic and petroleum sector reforms, which, he said, are beginning to yield visible results. He encouraged APC members to support and defend the administration’s policies, assuring them that the ongoing reforms would deliver long-term benefits for Nigerians.

In his remarks, APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, described the e-registration initiative as a decisive step toward institutionalising accuracy, transparency, and structure in party administration.

“A political party is not just a consortium; it’s a membership-based organisation. Therefore, it must maintain an accurate and verifiable database of its members,” he stated.

“Our party remains committed to strengthening its structures nationwide and positioning itself as a model of progressive governance through verifiable data, innovation, and inclusiveness.”

Basiru added that the programme, which concludes the zonal training series, reflects the APC’s dedication to capacity building and political education.

He urged participants to take the training seriously, as it would equip them with tools for effective mobilisation, organisation, and sensitisation across the region.

In his welcome address, Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, noted that the initiative would deepen Nigeria’s democracy through data-driven policies and transparent record-keeping.

“This programme is an avenue to show that we are an organised and capable party that believes in doing things rightly and meeting the needs of our people,” Ojelabi said.

“Through this e-registration exercise, we are again setting the standard for others to follow as the true party of progressives.”

He added that any political party seeking to remain relevant in today’s democratic landscape must adopt technology and modernise its operations, stressing that accurate record-keeping and digital transformation are essential for effective party administration in an increasingly virtual world.