The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has commenced free nationwide online membership registration, unveiling a new digital portal as part of its preparations for the 2027 general elections. The initiative, which includes a mandatory revalidation process for existing members, is designed to align the party’s records with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and the guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the move as both a legal necessity and a strategic step toward building a more inclusive and technology-driven political platform. The party emphasised that only members whose details are fully captured and verified in its official digital register would be eligible to participate in its primaries.
Digital Compliance and Membership Revalidation
According to the ADC, the new portal—accessible at www.adcregistration.ng—was introduced following the commencement of a nationwide physical registration and revalidation exercise in Abuja last month. The ADC stated that the digital option complements the ongoing grassroots mobilisation efforts, allowing prospective members across Nigeria and in the diaspora to enrol seamlessly.
The statement clarified that members who had previously registered on the party’s old platform must update and revalidate their details on the new system. Additional mandatory information is now required to ensure full compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and INEC guidelines. The party stressed that manual registration would continue concurrently across the country to ensure inclusivity.
ADC further urged support groups and associations to take advantage of the free registration process, describing the digital shift as an effort to remove barriers to entry and enhance transparency. While reiterating its commitment to compliance, the party maintained that its participation in the exercise does not diminish its objections to aspects of the new Electoral Act, which it claims confer undue advantage on the ruling party.
Revised 2027 Election Timetable and Political Reactions
The development comes against the backdrop of recent adjustments to the 2027 election timetable. On February 13, INEC initially scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, with Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections set for March 6, 2027. However, concerns were raised by some Muslim stakeholders who noted that the proposed dates coincided with the Ramadan period in 2027.
Following these concerns, the Nigerian Senate amended Clause 28 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, reducing the mandatory election notice period from 360 days to 300 days. This legislative adjustment enabled INEC to review and revise its timetable.
INEC subsequently issued a new schedule, signed by its Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, moving the Presidential and National Assembly elections to January 16, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections to February 6, 2027. Under the revised framework, political parties are required to submit a comprehensive digital membership register by April 2, 2026—a requirement that some stakeholders argue may pose challenges for smaller or opposition parties.
ADC’s Position and Broader Political Implications
In its statement, the ADC reiterated that while it is complying with the new digital requirements, it maintains “firm objections” to certain provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and the consequential INEC timetable. The party argued that some aspects of the framework could place opposition parties at a structural disadvantage.
Nevertheless, the ADC expressed optimism about the opportunities presented by the digital transition. It described the initiative as part of a broader effort to build a modern, inclusive, and citizen-driven political movement capable of delivering credible leadership.
As preparations for the 2027 elections intensify, the emphasis on digital membership registers signals a significant shift in Nigeria’s electoral administration. Political parties are now under increased pressure to modernise their internal processes while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The coming months are likely to test the readiness of parties to adapt to the evolving electoral landscape.
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