APC Launches Membership E-Registration in Benue
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a bold step toward ensuring a transparent and verifiable database of its members with the official flag-off of its membership e-registration exercise in Benue State. The event, held at the party’s state secretariat in Makurdi, attracted high-ranking party officials, stakeholders, and enthusiastic supporters, signaling a unified front as the party prepares for future electoral cycles.
This digital shift is part of a nationwide mandate by the APC National Working Committee (NWC) to transition from manual, paper-based registers to a more secure and accessible electronic platform. By digitizing its membership base, the APC aims to eliminate issues of “ghost members” and provide a more accurate reflection of its strength across various wards and local government areas.
The Drive for Transparency and Accountability
Speaking during the launch, the APC State Chairman for Benue, Hon. Austin Agada, emphasized that the e-registration is not just a technical update but a commitment to democratic integrity. He noted that the manual system was prone to manipulation and loss of data, which often led to friction during primary elections.
”The introduction of the e-registration portal is a game-changer,” Agada stated. “It allows every genuine member of our party to have a unique identity. This process ensures that only those on the digital register are recognized as members, which will significantly reduce internal disputes and enhance the credibility of our internal democratic processes.”
Training for Success: Equipping the Frontlines
To ensure a seamless exercise, the party has organized comprehensive training sessions for registration officers across all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Benue State. These officers are being trained on how to use the APC registration tablets and mobile apps to capture biometric data and verify the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) of new and existing members.
The party leadership stressed that the exercise is inclusive, encouraging both old members to re-validate their status and new members to join the “Progressives” fold. The digital platform is designed to be user-friendly, allowing registration even in areas with limited internet connectivity through an offline-syncing feature.
Strengthening the Party Structure in Benue State
The timing of this exercise is particularly crucial given the current political dynamics in Benue State. As the APC seeks to consolidate its hold on the state, having a verifiable and robust membership list provides the organizational backbone needed for effective mobilization.
Stakeholders at the event, including representatives from the National Registration Committee, urged members to take the exercise seriously. They highlighted that the digital ID cards to be issued after registration would serve multiple purposes, including providing access to party benefits and serving as a requirement for voting in party congresses and primaries.
Addressing Potential Challenges
While the transition to e-registration is widely praised, some members raised concerns about data security and accessibility in rural communities. In response, the technical team assured the public that the APC e-registration portal utilizes high-level encryption to protect members’ personal information. Furthermore, mobile registration units will be deployed to remote villages to ensure that no member is disenfranchised due to distance or lack of technology.
Conclusion: Setting the Pace for 2027 and Beyond
The Benue State APC membership e-registration flag-off is more than just a clerical task; it is a strategic repositioning. By embracing technology, the party is setting a standard for political organization in Nigeria. For the people of Benue, this exercise represents an opportunity to formalize their stake in the party and play an active role in shaping the state’s political future.
As the exercise commences across the 276 wards of Benue State, the eyes of the nation will be on the “Progressives” to see how this digital evolution influences the transparency of Nigerian politics moving forward.
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