Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the ongoing electronic membership registration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a civic responsibility that will deepen internal democracy within the party.
The governor made the remark on Tuesday while monitoring the exercise at his polling unit at St. Stephen Adeniji Adele Primary School, Lagos Island.
Sanwo-Olu explained that the registration exercise, which commenced on Monday, was designed to authenticate genuine party members through a digital system linked to the National Identification Number (NIN).
According to him, the process is being conducted across all wards in Lagos State and nationwide to ensure credible and up-to-date party records.
“This is a civic responsibility for our party members. The e-registration exercise started yesterday in all wards across Lagos State and indeed across the country,” he said.
The governor disclosed that Lagos has 245 wards, each provided with two registration tablets, printers, internet access and alternative power supply to ensure a smooth and efficient exercise.
He said registrants are required to provide their NIN for backend verification and indicate whether they possess a voter’s card, after which their details are captured digitally.
Upon successful registration, Sanwo-Olu said members are issued a printed temporary membership slip as proof of registration.
He urged party members, particularly those in Lagos, to participate actively, noting that digital registration is now the minimum requirement to be recognised as a valid member of the APC.
Sanwo-Olu recalled that the party last conducted a comprehensive membership registration in 2021, adding that the current exercise was necessary to update the database, accommodate new members and align with modern digital practices.
He stated that the exercise is expected to run throughout January and encouraged all eligible members to take advantage of the opportunity.
The governor acknowledged that minor technical challenges were experienced on the first day of the exercise but said they had since been resolved, with the process now running smoothly across wards.
He also appealed to youths and new members to come out and register, stressing that the exercise is free and requires no payment.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised that physical presence is mandatory to ensure the authenticity of the process, noting that registration takes only a few minutes.
“This is the minimum required of anyone who wants to belong to the party. It is time to demonstrate sincerity and commitment to the APC,” he added.