Vice President Kashim Shettima has criticised the online membership registration exercise of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleging that the platform has been inundated with fake identities and inaccurate details.
Shettima made the remarks on Wednesday during an interfaith breaking of fast attended by federal ministers and hosted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The vice president used the occasion to take a swipe at the opposition party, which had recently launched a nationwide digital membership registration exercise in preparation for the 2027 Nigerian general election.
According to reports, the ADC commenced the online registration on March 1, directing both new and existing members to enrol or update their membership information in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and the guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The party said the exercise was aimed at strengthening its internal structures and ensuring that its membership database aligns with the legal requirements governing political parties in Nigeria.
However, the registration process has been reportedly marred by multiple irregularities, including the submission of fake names, invalid National Identity Management Commission identification numbers, and mismatched photographs.
These issues have sparked concerns among observers about the integrity and credibility of the digital registration system.
Reacting to the development, Shettima mocked the opposition party, claiming that its online portal had been flooded with fictitious identities.
He also taunted the ADC over its long-standing advocacy for the real-time electronic transmission of election results, suggesting that the problems experienced with its own registration platform raise questions about the practicality of such digital processes.
Despite the criticisms, the ADC had earlier acknowledged the presence of anomalies on the registration platform.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party said it had identified and corrected the irregularities after monitoring the surge in online activity following the launch of the portal.
The party noted that the system had recorded unusual entries, including satirical registrations using the names of well-known global figures and historical personalities.
ADC officials maintained that the anomalies were promptly addressed through technical adjustments to the platform to improve verification and ensure the credibility of the membership database.
The development has added a fresh dimension to the ongoing political exchanges between the ruling administration and opposition parties as preparations gradually begin for the next general election cycle.
Political analysts say the controversy surrounding the ADC’s digital registration highlights the growing role of technology in Nigeria’s electoral and political processes, while also underscoring the challenges associated with maintaining accurate and secure digital systems.
As political parties continue to modernise their operations ahead of future elections, observers believe that ensuring the integrity of digital platforms will remain a crucial issue in maintaining public confidence in the democratic process.
