The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised the alarm over what it describes as disturbing reports of civil servants and government workers being coerced to register for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s ongoing electronic membership registration exercise.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Its national Publicity Secretary, Bolaj Abdullahi , the ADC said reports from several states indicate that public servants are allegedly being pressured—directly or indirectly—to sign up for the APC as a condition for job security, career progression, or continued access to livelihoods. The party described the reports as “consistent and widespread,” warning that such actions, if proven, would amount to a coordinated assault on Nigerians’ constitutional freedoms.
According to the ADC, compelling civil servants to affiliate with a political party violates the fundamental rights to freedom of thought, conscience, and association as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “These rights are inalienable and cannot be abridged by any government or ruling party,” the statement said.
The opposition party further argued that the APC’s e-registration drive is “increasingly resembling economic coercion and forced membership,” adding that a party with genuine popular support would not need to rely on intimidation or the “weaponisation of the payroll” to expand its ranks.
The ADC also warned of broader institutional consequences, saying the alleged practice threatens the neutrality and professionalism of Nigeria’s civil service. “The civil service is meant to be merit-based and loyal to the state, not to any political party. Turning civil servants into partisan hostages undermines institutional integrity and erodes public trust in governance,” it said.
Questioning the political value of such registrations, the ADC maintained that databases built through coercion do not translate into genuine electoral support. “Databases do not vote; citizens do,” the party said, adding that inflated membership figures achieved through intimidation may serve propaganda purposes but cannot mask public dissatisfaction over economic hardship and insecurity.
The ADC called on relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), labour unions, civil society organisations, and the international community to investigate the allegations, warning that the situation could amount to a state-enabled abuse of power and potential violations of data protection and human rights laws.
