APC e-Registration Challenges in Niger State Prompt Governor Bago to Mobilize Support
By Yahaya Zakka Minna.
The nationwide electronic membership registration initiative by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has faced significant hurdles in Niger State, with low participation rates across all 25 local government areas.
Sources report that, nearly five days into the week-long exercise, no local government has registered more than 200 members, raising concerns about the party’s influence among voters.
The objective of this registration is to develop an accurate membership database that can identify genuine party supporters and enhance engagement efforts. The initiative aims to bolster grassroots involvement, increase transparency, and position the party for effective mobilization in upcoming political activities.
Although the goal is to register over one million members in the state, the low turnout has impeded progress. A party insider revealed that Governor Bago is displeased with the state’s executive committee for the poor registration figures.
The governor criticized the committee for insufficient efforts to promote the registration drive and failing to meet the target of one million members. In response, he has directed all political appointees to return to their constituencies to rally party supporters for active participation in the ongoing e-registration.
Despite these setbacks, APC remains eager to attract new members, while opposition parties, notably the African Democratic Congress (ADC), are actively recruiting defectors. Labaran Sarkinkaji, the state spokesperson for APC, mentioned in a phone interview that approximately 100,000 individuals have registered across Niger State’s local government areas.
He attributed the low turnout to factors such as the delayed start of the e-registration process and the ongoing harvesting season, which keeps many on their farms. He also noted that some individuals have lost their NINs and voter cards, which are required for registration.
Sarkinkaji emphasized that civil servants are legally allowed to join political parties and encouraged them to register, highlighting the importance of having their voter cards for future civic participation. He expressed confidence that APC will meet its target of registering one million members before the exercise concludes.
Meanwhile, as preparations for the 2027 general elections escalate, over 4,100 supporters from various political parties have defected to the ADC in Bosso Local Government, signaling a significant shift in Niger State’s political landscape.
Hon. Musa Hassan, ADC’s Niger State chairman, welcomed the defectors at the party’s headquarters in Bosso, urging them to work diligently to unseat the APC in upcoming elections.
He described the large number of defectors from a single local government as a clear indication of voter dissatisfaction with the APC administration’s inability to deliver on its promises.
The event also marked the official opening of the ADC secretariat in Maikunkele, the local government headquarters.Hon. Hassan urged the defectors to register with the party and obtain their membership cards, while reminding them about ongoing voter registration activities by INEC.
He emphasized to the youth the importance of securing their voter cards to fulfill their civic responsibilities.
Hon. Umaru Usman noted that among the defectors were ten ward councillors who had previously contested APC primaries and predicted more defections, reflecting widespread discontent with the APC leadership.
Representing the defectors, Hon. Abubakar Popoi criticized irregularities observed during APC primaries and assured that they are committed to supporting ADC’s victory in the 2027 elections.
