The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Labour Party (LP) have launched nationwide digital membership drives to comply with Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates political parties to maintain and submit verified electronic membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at least 21 days before primaries, congresses or conventions. Under the law, only members listed in the submitted digital register can vote or be voted for, with non-compliant parties risking disqualification from presenting candidates.
The new provision initially drew strong resistance from opposition parties, particularly the ADC, which described the requirement as logistically burdensome. Party leaders argued that compiling millions of members’ biodata — including NINs, polling units, ward details, addresses and photographs — within strict timelines could disadvantage parties with limited digital infrastructure and rural membership bases.
The PDP also raised concerns about the abrupt transition from decades-old physical registers to mandatory digital documentation, warning of possible disruptions in states with limited digital access. Similarly, the Labour Party cautioned that grassroots members without access to digital verification systems or National Identification Numbers could face unintended disenfranchisement, while civil society groups warned of potential litigation arising from mass exclusions.
Despite initial objections, parties shifted toward compliance after INEC maintained that failure to meet the requirements would attract sanctions. The PDP has commenced a three-week nationwide digital registration exercise starting March 2, 2026, overseen by a special committee, while the ADC has unveiled a free online membership portal to facilitate data capture and verification for its members at home and abroad.
The Labour Party has embarked on a broader expansion and revalidation campaign tagged “Labour Party Connect: 10 Million Nigerians,” targeting the enrolment of 10 million members ahead of its congresses and national convention in 2026. Party leaders say the digital drives are aimed at strengthening internal democracy, improving compliance and positioning the parties competitively ahead of the 2027 general elections.
