APC slams opposition over INEC digital register deadline

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Ajibola Basiru, has dismissed complaints by opposition parties over the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the submission of digital membership registers.

INEC had directed political parties to forward their comprehensive electronic membership lists by April 2, 2026 in line with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, a requirement tied to participation in the 2027 general election.

Speaking on Saturday in Osogbo during the distribution of identity cards to members of the Alubarika Movement, Basiru argued that opposition parties had no justification for protesting the 21-day timeline.

“The rule about registration is very clear. Even before the amendment of the Electoral Act, every data was expected to be linked with the NIN. That was why when the APC began its digital registration, we insisted that it must be tied to the NIN,” he said.

He explained that the ruling party had already captured about 12 million members in its database, with the details linked to their National Identity Numbers.

“We find it very strange that any political party would be complaining that they don’t have a register of members, or that the time for registration of members is too short, because under the old law, there’s actually a requirement for the register of members to be submitted 30 days,” he said.

Basiru noted that the new law shortened the period from 30 days to 21 days, describing the criticism as unnecessary.

“So it’s actually very strange. It appears that the opposition party are not ready to contest the election and if they are not so ready, rather than banalizing and creating unnecessary names for established institutions, they could… opt to boycott the election if they are not ready.”

He also cautioned APC leaders nationwide against imposing candidates ahead of the general election, urging the party to allow open and credible primaries.

“Our party is now large, so my advice… is that we should create a level playing ground so that there can be free fair contest at the primary.

“So anybody that wins and will lose, we also know that they win and lose according to the acceptability by members of the party.”

APC slams opposition over INEC digital register deadline