How APGA Pioneered the Digitization of Membership Register in Nigeria

 

HOW APGA PIONEERED THE DIGITIZATION OF MEMBERSHIP REGISTER IN NIGERIA

 

By Wole Adedoyin

In recent years, political parties around the world have embraced digital platforms to streamline membership registration, improve transparency, and ensure more efficient engagement with their supporters. In Nigeria, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) stands out as a trailblazer in this regard, having pioneered the digitization of its membership register. Under the visionary leadership of Barrister Sylvester Ezeokenwa, the national chairman of the party, APGA has set a remarkable precedent in the Nigerian political landscape, becoming the first party to fully digitize its members’ registration data.

The journey towards a fully digital membership register for APGA was one marked by strategic planning, innovation, and the unwavering commitment of the party’s leadership. As part of a broader effort to modernize the party and enhance its organizational structure, Barrister Ezeokenwa recognized the need for a robust, transparent, and secure database that would not only keep track of members but also provide real-time insights into the party’s activities. This foresight culminated in the introduction of the digital membership registration system, which is already transforming how political engagement and membership tracking are handled in Nigeria.

The introduction of the digital membership register is a testimony to Barrister Ezeokenwa’s commitment to modernizing APGA and setting it on a path of sustainable growth. With the vision of creating a more inclusive and participatory party, he recognized that traditional methods of membership registration were no longer sufficient in an increasingly digital world. The new system leverages customized software designed to capture member profiles, which are then authenticated and stored in a secure database. This data is updated periodically and reflected down to the polling unit level, ensuring that the party maintains an accurate and up-to-date record of its members at all times.

This digital initiative not only strengthens APGA’s internal structure but also provides a more seamless and transparent process for its members. By eliminating the need for paper-based records and reducing the chances of errors or manipulation, the system ensures that APGA's membership data is both accurate and secure. This is an important step towards fostering trust and accountability within the party, as it allows for more efficient communication with members and enhances the party’s ability to mobilize support during elections.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the national leader of APGA and Governor of Anambra State, has been a strong advocate for this groundbreaking initiative. The governor, alongside his wife Nonye and daughter Adaora, took part in the historic event of registering in the digital database at their ward in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area. This moment marked a significant milestone not only for the party but for Nigerian politics as a whole. Governor Soludo’s participation in the registration process further emphasized the importance of this development, and his statement stressed the party’s commitment to leading the charge in modernizing political engagement in the country.

Describing the event as “historic,” Governor Soludo highlighted the significance of APGA becoming the first political party in Nigeria to fully digitize its membership registration process. He acknowledged the pivotal role the initiative would play in shaping the future of Nigerian politics, particularly in ensuring that party membership is accurately recorded and regularly updated. With the new system in place, the party will now have a national register that can be accessed and updated in real time, providing a comprehensive and reliable record of its membership nationwide.

Moreover, the digital database is linked directly to the voters’ register, making it easier for the party to cross-reference its membership data with the national electoral roll. This integration with the voter register is particularly important as it ensures that APGA's membership is accurately reflected in the electoral process, facilitating greater participation and engagement from the party's supporters in elections. By leveraging this technological advancement, APGA has set a new standard for other political parties to follow.

The process of online registration is straightforward and accessible to all Nigerians who wish to become members of APGA. Interested individuals can simply visit the party’s official website at www.apga.ng to complete the registration process. The platform is user-friendly and designed to ensure that even those with limited technological expertise can easily sign up. Once registered, members can update their profiles and stay informed about party activities and events.

The impact of this innovation extends beyond just APGA. The All Progressives Congress (APC), under the leadership of Dr. Umar Ganduje, has recently followed suit, contracting a private company, Tunmef Global Limited, to begin a nationwide digital membership registration process. This move by the APC, coming a year after APGA’s successful digitalization, shows the growing trend of political parties adopting modern technology to enhance their operations. Dr. Ganduje’s party aims to create a comprehensive and up-to-date database of its members ahead of the 2027 general elections, signaling that digital membership registration is now an essential tool for political organizations in Nigeria.

The signing of the agreement with Tunmef Global Limited took place at the APC secretariat in Abuja, marking a significant step towards the party's own digital membership system. While APGA was the first to implement this transformation, the APC’s decision to follow suit highlights the importance of the initiative and its potential to reshape the Nigerian political landscape. It also stressed the role that Barrister Ezeokenwa and APGA have played in setting the stage for this technological shift in Nigerian politics.

As APGA continues to lead by example, Barrister Sylvester Ezeokenwa's vision for the party’s future becomes increasingly clear. His leadership has positioned APGA not only as a political force but also as a symbol of innovation and progress. The digital membership register is just one of the many ways that he has modernized the party, and it is likely that this initiative will continue to bear fruit in the years to come. As Nigeria’s political parties evolve and adapt to the digital age, APGA’s pioneering efforts will remain a key reference point for others to follow.

In addition to streamlining party operations, the digital database offers a host of other benefits. It improves communication between the party and its members, making it easier to disseminate information, coordinate events, and mobilize supporters. It also provides the party with valuable insights into the demographics and preferences of its membership, allowing for more targeted outreach and engagement strategies.

Furthermore, the digital database will enhance the party's ability to monitor its membership across different regions of Nigeria. With a system that allows for real-time updates, APGA will be able to quickly identify areas where it needs to focus its efforts and allocate resources more effectively. This will be particularly important in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections, as the party prepares to mobilize its supporters and increase its presence across the country.

The success of APGA’s digital membership registration system is a testimony to the power of innovation and the importance of embracing new technologies in politics. Under the leadership of Barrister Ezeokenwa, the party has not only improved its internal processes but has also set an example for other political organizations in Nigeria and beyond. His vision, combined with the support of national leaders like Governor Soludo, has propelled APGA into the forefront of political modernization in Nigeria.

As other parties, including the APC, move towards digitizing their own membership systems, it is clear that the future of political engagement in Nigeria will be shaped by technology. APGA’s pioneering efforts will continue to influence how political parties interact with their members, ensuring that the country’s democratic processes remain inclusive, transparent, and efficient.

Looking ahead, the full impact of the digital membership register on APGA’s political fortunes remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the party is now better equipped than ever to engage with its members, mobilize support, and play a leading role in shaping Nigeria's political future.