By Our Reporter
Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unequivocally affirmed that the ongoing APC e-registration exercise is not optional, cosmetic, or expendable, declaring the move as "a necessary political reform and a decisive statement of intent by a party determined to remain disciplined, progressive, and electorally dominant in a rapidly evolving democratic environment."
The party gave this position in a signed statement, issued by its spokesperson, Hon. Seye Oladejo, copy of which was made available to newsmen on Tuesday, saying that the e-registration exercise which commenced on Monday would run until the end of January, providing ample opportunity for all eligible members-old and new-to be duly captured in the party’s digital register.
APC, highlighting the significance of the e-registration exercise, said political parties that shied away from reform inevitably decayed.
According to the statement, the APC has chosen the harder but nobler path-order over chaos, structure over arbitrariness, and transparency over convenience, noting that the e-registration exercise was a firm response to the demands of modern politics, data integrity, and credible internal democracy.
Besides, Oladejo argued that the exercise guaranteed the sanctity and credibility of the party’s membership register, saying that it decisively eliminates duplication, impersonation, and shadow membership arrangements that undermine party cohesion to ensure that every APC member must be known, verifiable, and properly accounted for in line with best practices globally.
"Political parties that shy away from reform inevitably decay. The APC has chosen the harder but nobler path-order over chaos, structure over arbitrariness, and transparency over convenience. The e-registration exercise is therefore a firm response to the demands of modern politics, data integrity, and credible internal democracy.
"The exercise guarantees the sanctity and credibility of the party’s membership register. It decisively eliminates duplication, impersonation, and shadow membership arrangements that undermine party cohesion. Every APC member must be known, verifiable, and properly accounted for. This is how serious parties operate.
"Crucially, the e-registration provides a level playing ground for old and new members alike to have a clear, undisputed footnote in the party without fear or favour. It dismantles gate-keeping structures and sends a strong message that no one owns the APC beyond its constitution and collective will. More importantly, it shows-without ambiguity-that the APC is deliberately and confidently accommodating the ever-growing multitude of Nigerians who are joining the progressive fold on a daily basis. Ours is not a closed shop; it is a living, expanding political movement," Oladejo stated.
"Beyond administration, this exercise is the bedrock of internal democracy. Credible congresses, transparent primaries, and legitimate leadership selection are impossible without a reliable digital register. Anyone uncomfortable with this reality must explain their preference for obscurity, manipulation, and disorder. The APC will not retreat into the politics of shadows.
"The exercise guarantees the sanctity and credibility of the party’s membership register. It decisively eliminates duplication, impersonation, and shadow membership arrangements that undermine party cohesion. Every APC member must be known, verifiable, and properly accounted for. This is how serious parties operate," he added.
Speaking further, the APC chieftain pointed out that a data-driven membership system enhances the party’s electoral readiness and governance capacity, adding that it equally strengthens grassroots coordination, sharpens campaign strategy, and ensures that the party remains in constant touch with its base.
Oladejo, while noting that a party that truly knows its members cannot be ambushed at the polls, expressed the belief that the outcome of this exercise "will firmly affirm the APC as not only the most dominant political party in Nigeria but the party most likely to win massively at the polls, buoyed by the sheer strength of its membership and a verifiable structure across the country."
According to him, this will be in contrast to what he described as "the fairy-tale assumptions of the opposition, whose much-advertised strength remains the stuff political dreams-not electoral reality-are made of."
"We therefore urge-and indeed expect-all APC members and stakeholders to take full advantage of the e-registration window and participate promptly and responsibly. This is a collective obligation. Indifference is not neutrality; it is a disservice to the party and the progressive ideals we claim to uphold.
"The APC will continue to reform, expand, and lead. The e-registration exercise is a clear declaration that our party will not be hostage to inertia, fear, or retrogressive interests. We are building a stronger, fairer, and future-ready political institution, and no amount of grumbling from the sidelines will derail this course," Oladejo concluded.
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