A Nigerian federal lawmaker has stated that access to government job placements and educational admissions under President Bola Tinubu’s administration is increasingly contingent on formal membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The claim, made by Representative Ojotu Ojema of Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, advises constituents to obtain APC membership cards to secure future opportunities.
Ojema, who won his seat in 2023 on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before defecting to the APC in 2025, delivered the remarks during an address to the National Association of Agatu Students. He explicitly tied political affiliation to the distribution of state resources, suggesting that party loyalty could determine who benefits from upcoming government programmes.
“The party that is good for us in Agatu… is All Progressives Congress,” he said. “If you know it is not just about politics but about opportunities, get your APC card and be a member.” He further warned that individuals without APC affiliation might be overlooked, stating, “If you are not in APC and job opportunities come, nobody may consider you if your NIN is not registered with APC. You may lose the opportunity.”
The lawmaker’s comments reference the National Identification Number (NIN), a mandatory biometric ID for accessing many public services in Nigeria. His suggestion that NIN registration should be linked to party membership has drawn attention to existing public concerns about the NIN system, which has been criticized for bureaucratic hurdles and exclusion.
Ojema’s assertion is framed by the APC’s current political dominance. He noted that the party controls the presidency, approximately 30 of Nigeria’s 36 state governors, and the Federal Capital Territory administration. This concentration of power, he argued, makes formal alignment with the APC a pragmatic step for constituents seeking development projects and socio-economic interventions.
The statement comes amid broader debates in Nigeria over the politicisation of public service delivery and the principle of equitable access to state resources irrespective of political leaning. While the federal government has not endorsed the view that party membership is a formal prerequisite for jobs or admissions, the lawmaker’s public advice to his constituents reflects a perceived reality in some circles where political patronage networks remain influential.
Critics and civil society groups have long advocated for transparent, merit-based systems in recruitment and admissions, warning that tying opportunity to party card risks exacerbating exclusion and undermining national unity. The remarks also spotlight the ongoing challenge of depoliticising Nigeria’s national identification infrastructure.
As the Tinubu administration continues to roll out various interventions, the intersection of party affiliation and access to public goods remains a sensitive and widely discussed issue. The lawmaker’s comments serve as a stark reminder of these persistent dynamics, placing the onus on the government to clarify official policies and reaffirm commitments to non-partisan service delivery for all citizens.
