Opposition parties raise alarm over mandatory e-registration as 2027 polls approach

As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, opposition parties are expressing growing concern over the mandatory electronic membership registration introduced under the Electoral Act 2026.

At the centre of the controversy is Section 77(4) and related provisions of the amended law, which require all registered political parties to maintain a digital register of members and submit same to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) no later than April 2, 2026, as a precondition for participation in the elections.

Under the law, only individuals whose names appear in the submitted digital register will be eligible to vote or be voted for during party primaries, congresses and conventions.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) was among the first to fault the timeline, describing it as restrictive and potentially exclusionary.

The party argued that with limited time to compile comprehensive digital registers—including names, addresses, local government areas, polling units and National Identification Numbers (NIN)—smaller or less technologically equipped parties risk being shut out of the 2027 contest.

Other opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), have also reportedly expressed reservations over the operational and financial implications of the requirement.

The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), an umbrella body of political parties, has convened a meeting to deliberate on the issue amid rising anxiety across party lines.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Sumner Sambo, Editor for Politics at Arise News, criticised opposition parties for what he described as a lack of vigilance during the legislative process that produced the Electoral Act 2026.

According to him, the amendment process spanned over a year, featured public hearings nationwide and was widely covered by the media, making its provisions accessible to all stakeholders.

He argued that while much of the public discourse focused on electronic transmission of election results, other critical sections—such as Section 77 mandating digital membership registers—received little scrutiny.

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“There is already a law in place, and INEC is duty-bound to implement it,” Sambo said, noting that the provision effectively blocks last-minute defections, a recurring feature of Nigeria’s pre-election politics.

Under the amended law, aspirants whose names do not appear in a party’s submitted digital register cannot participate in its primaries. Analysts say this effectively shuts the door on politicians seeking to switch parties after losing nomination contests elsewhere.

ADC chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of introducing stringent provisions to weaken opposition parties ahead of 2027.

Okonkwo described the requirements as “booby traps” designed for self-preservation, alleging that the provisions were crafted to prevent aspirants dissatisfied with APC primaries from defecting to other parties.

He argued that mandating submission of detailed digital registers within a limited timeframe poses a threat to democratic participation and narrows political space.

However, Nduka Odo, a public affairs analyst at Peaceland University, Enugu, said the uproar reflects deeper organisational weaknesses within the opposition bloc.

According to him, the amendment did not occur in secrecy but passed through the National Assembly with public hearings and media coverage.

“Politics is about strategy and anticipation. The APC demonstrated foresight by commencing e-registration early, while the opposition is reacting late,” Odo said.

He warned that continued blame games could inadvertently smooth the path for President Bola Tinubu and the APC in 2027.

“Elections are won long before election day—through organisation, compliance with the law and strategic preparation,” he added, urging opposition parties to swiftly comply and rebuild their structures if they intend to remain competitive.

INEC has also acknowledged the tight timelines and logistical pressures ahead of the polls. The Commission maintains that it is bound by the provisions of the law and must enforce compliance across all registered parties.

With the April 2026 deadline approaching, political observers say the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether opposition parties can adapt to the new regulatory framework—or whether the 2027 race may be shaped as much by legal compliance as by voter sentiment.