The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Ajibola Basiru, has dismissed criticisms from opposition parties regarding the timeline for the submission of party membership registers, describing the complaints as a sign of lack of seriousness ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Some opposition parties had earlier criticized the 21 day period given to political parties to submit their membership registers, describing the timeline as anti democratic and an attempt to shrink the country’s democratic space.
However, Basiru rejected the claims while speaking at the distribution of identity cards to members of the Alubarika Movement at its headquarters in Osogbo.
According to him, any political party that is serious about contesting elections should already have a comprehensive record of its members and should not rely on guidance from the electoral commission to maintain proper party structures.
Basiru explained that the law regarding party membership registration has always been clear. He noted that even before the amendment of the Electoral Act, political parties were required to submit their membership registers ahead of elections.
He added that the current law now gives parties 21 days to submit their membership register, a reduction from the previous requirement of 30 days.
Basiru further revealed that the APC had already implemented a digital membership registration system linked to the National Identity Management Commission through the National Identification Number system.
According to him, when the party concluded its digital registration exercise it had successfully registered about 12 million Nigerians, all linked to their NIN.
He described it as surprising that any political party would complain about the requirement, noting that parties that are prepared for elections should have accurate records of their members.
Basiru added that if opposition parties feel unprepared to meet the requirements they should consider stepping aside rather than criticizing elished institutions.
Speaking further on party primaries ahead of future elections, Basiru advised the APC leadership across the states to ensure fairness and transparency in selecting candidates.
He emphasized the importance of providing a level playing field for aspirants so that the most popular candidates can emerge and improve the party’s chances of winning elections.
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