Chidinma Iroegbu
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said its electronic membership register will drive credible primaries ahead of the 2027 general election, declaring that internal reforms are strengthening transparency and accountability within the ruling party.
National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the digital register provides real-time access to verified members across the country. “Our electronic registration gives us real-time access to our members. We know who they are, where they live, and how to reach them. This allows us to mobilise efficiently and conduct credible primaries,” he stated in a release by his media adviser, Abimbola Toki.
The party disclosed that its membership database has been integrated with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to validate records, eliminate duplication and enhance internal accountability.
Following the e-registration exercise, the APC put its membership strength at nearly 10 million, describing the figure as evidence of its national spread and grassroots base.
On the debate over direct and indirect primaries, Yilwatda urged caution, noting that both systems have advantages and risks. “Direct primaries can be manipulated, and delegates can be colonised, which defeats the essence of democracy. The real issue is not the method, but the integrity of the process,” he said.
He maintained that the party has adopted consensus, direct and indirect primaries in different states, depending on what promotes unity and stability, adding that several consensus candidacies were achieved without post-primary litigation.
Addressing concerns over defections and allegations of a drift toward a one-party state, the APC chairman dismissed the claims, attributing the trend to political realignments. “People move to where systems work. Many parties are weakening, while APC continues to grow because it is better organised,” he said.
Yilwatda added that the party’s control of about 30 governorship seats and majority positions in the National Assembly reflects voter confidence, reaffirming the APC’s commitment to internal democracy and transparent party administration.