The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State has officially commenced a digital membership registration drive, marking a significant shift from manual to electronic record-keeping for the party. The exercise, which kicked off on Monday, is a direct implementation of a directive from the party's national leadership aimed at modernising its operations and deepening engagement with members.
Digital Launch with Key Figures
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State formally inaugurated the registration process, becoming one of the first individuals to enroll electronically. The event also saw the immediate registration of former governor Yahaya Bello at his Agasa Ward in Okene Local Government Area. The launch was attended by a significant gathering of party faithful, including the state APC chairman, Hon Abdullahi Bello, local government chairmen, ward leaders, and numerous supporters from Okene and neighbouring communities.
In his remarks after completing his registration, Yahaya Bello praised the electronic system as a timely and strategic move. He emphasised that this digital approach would fortify the party's internal structure and enhance communication channels between the leadership and grassroots members. Bello reaffirmed the APC's commitment to being an inclusive political platform and urged all supporters in the state to actively participate in the ongoing registration exercise.
Call for Support for Tinubu's Agenda
Mr Bello seized the opportunity to rally continued backing for President Bola Tinubu's administration. He stated that the federal government's ongoing reforms are designed to reposition Nigeria for sustainable economic growth and improved competitiveness on the global stage. Acknowledging that such transformative efforts often come with initial difficulties, he appealed to party members to exercise patience and maintain their support for the reform agenda.
The former governor detailed that the new registration process, which requires a National Identification Number (NIN), will enable the party to build a more accurate and reliable membership database. This, in turn, will facilitate direct communication with registered members and ensure a more transparent mechanism for members to benefit from government programmes and interventions.
Grassroots Mobilisation and Future Plans
Earlier, the state APC chairman, Abdullahi Bello, outlined the rollout plan for the initiative. He explained that following this initial phase involving key party officials, the exercise would be extended to all wards across the state's 21 local government areas. He called for maximum cooperation from members, stressing that the success of the digital transition hinges on active participation at the grassroots level.
Party officials present noted that this move is part of broader internal efforts by the APC to modernise its processes and maintain a dynamic, up-to-date membership register. Political observers highlight that accurate party data is increasingly crucial for effective mobilisation, planning, and coordination, particularly in the run-up to major elections.
Bello concluded by encouraging APC supporters in Kogi to take future elections seriously and to sustain their support for the party at all levels, noting the APC's continued political dominance in the state in recent years. The state party leadership confirmed that further sensitisation campaigns would be conducted to ensure all members understand the objectives and procedure of the electronic registration.
