The APC said the ADC's allegation of forcing people, including civil servants, to register as its members, was triggered by "the phenomenal success" of the exercise and was intended to cast a shadow on the party's "cutting-edge and pathbreaking digitisation" of its register.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed as "false and baseless" recent allegations by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that civil servants are being coerced to participate in the ruling party's ongoing electronic membership registration exercise.
In a press statement signed by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party said the claims from the ADC were born out of fear over the massive turnout in its e-registration drive and formed part of a broader disinformation campaign.
On Sunday, the ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, raised the alarm over reports that civil servants across several states were being pressured to register for the APC's digital membership exercise.
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The opposition party described the practice as "economic coercion and forced membership," arguing that compelling public servants to join a political party violates their constitutional rights to freedom of association and undermines the neutrality of the civil service.
It warned that such actions, if true, could represent an abuse of power and a threat to data privacy and fundamental human rights.
Responding, Mr Morka said the ADC's allegation was triggered by "the phenomenal success" of its membership drive and was intended to cast a shadow on the party's "cutting-edge and pathbreaking digitisation" of its register.
He further characterised the opposition's claims as a continuation of a broader campaign of misinformation, including what the APC described as past fabrications such as a fake membership slip purportedly showing a notorious terrorist as an APC member, a claim the party rejected outright.
The ruling party said participation in its e-registration has been overwhelmingly voluntary, driven by what it called "visible gains and impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda," with millions of Nigerians reportedly registering enthusiastically.
In recognition of the high turnout, the APC extended the initial January 31 deadline for registration to 8 February.
According to the party, this robust response reflects genuine support rather than coercion, and the ADC's attempt to frame the exercise as forced membership was a "smear effort" aimed at undermining confidence in the process.
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The APC reiterated its commitment to digital innovation and democratic engagement, asserting that its ongoing registration exercise is designed to modernise party structures ahead of future elections and strengthen internal democracy.
