RismadarVoice Reporters
march 1, 2026
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has commenced free nationwide online membership registration as part of its preparations for the 2027 general elections, unveiling a new digital portal to align with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party directed existing members to update and revalidate their details on the new platform to ensure compliance with the law.
“The African Democratic Congress has officially commenced free online membership registration across Nigeria, following the successful kick-off of its nationwide registration and revalidation exercise in Abuja last month,” the statement read.
The party said the new digital portal, accessible via www.adcregistration.ng, was introduced to enable it to meet the requirement for a comprehensive digital membership register under the Electoral Act 2026.
“Only individuals whose membership details are fully captured and verified in the Party’s official digital register will be eligible to vote or be voted for in the Party’s primaries,” the ADC stated.
According to the party, manual registration will continue concurrently across the country, even as the online option is expected to remove barriers to entry, simplify enrolment, and expand participation, including among Nigerians in the diaspora.
The ADC added that members who registered on its previous platform must revalidate their membership on the new portal, noting that additional mandatory information is now required for full compliance with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.
INEC had initially scheduled the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections for March 6, 2027.
However, the dates drew criticism from some Muslim stakeholders who observed that they fell within the Ramadan period.
Following the concerns, the Senate amended Clause 28 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, reducing the mandatory election notice period from 360 days to 300 days, thereby allowing INEC to adjust the timetable.
INEC subsequently released a revised schedule, 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 updated timetable, political parties are required to submit a comprehensive digital membership register by April 2, 2026, a provision some stakeholders argue could disadvantage opposition parties.
While complying with the new requirements, the ADC reiterated its objections to aspects of the Electoral Act 2026 and the INEC timetable.
“ADC would like to emphasise that this exercise is without prejudice to our firm objections to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 that give undue advantage to the ruling party, as well as the consequential INEC timetable,” the statement added.
The party said it remains committed to building what it described as a modern, inclusive, and citizen-driven political movement capable of delivering credible leadership and a better Nigeria.
