The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced a nationwide membership drive, setting its sights on competing for national power in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. National Chairman and former Senate President David Mark launched the registration exercise in Abuja on Thursday, outlining the party’s strategy to build a broad-based membership.
The registration campaign introduces a dual-track system, allowing prospective members to sign up manually at designated centres or online through a digital platform. Mark emphasised that the process is designed to be open and direct, stating that membership would not be controlled by intermediaries or influenced by personal allegiance to party elites. “What we’re kicking off today is laying a solid foundation for our future results in the ADC,” he said. “Once you get the cards and you start the exercise, register anybody who wants to be a member of ADC. Taking over the government in 2027 is our major target.”
The ADC, historically a smaller opposition party, is attempting to reposition itself as a viable alternative ahead of the next electoral cycle. The membership drive represents a tactical shift toward decentralised organisation, aiming to bypass traditional political “gatekeepers” who often control access and candidate selections within parties. By enabling self-registration, the party seeks to create a verifiable and largescale membership database, which is critical for internal democracy and demonstrating national reach.
This move comes as Nigeria’s political landscape remains fluid, with major parties grappling with internal cohesion and public discontent. For the ADC, success hinges on converting new registrations into an effective grassroots structure capable of fielding candidates and mounting campaigns across the 36 states. The 2027 timeline signals a long-term strategy, requiring sustained organisation well before the official campaign period.
The launch in Abuja, the federal capital, underscores the party’s intent to operate from a national perspective rather than a regional base. The dual registration system addresses both connectivity disparities—reaching those without reliable internet—and the desire for modernised party management. If executed effectively, the drive could strengthen the ADC’s compliance with electoral regulations regarding membership documentation.
The announcement places the ADC among parties beginning early preparations for the next election cycle. The effectiveness of its anti-gatekeeper pledge will be tested as the registration expands nationwide. Political analysts note that while ambitious, the party’s 2027 aspiration depends heavily on its ability to attract disaffected voters from larger parties and present a coherent national agenda beyond the membership drive.
The membership registration is scheduled to run for several weeks, with state coordinators expected to mobilise locally. The party leadership has committed to issuing membership cards promptly, a step toward formalising its claimed expansion. Ultimately, the ADC’s challenge is translating this organisational push into electoral impact—a goal that now defines its immediate political trajectory.
