The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a nationwide digital membership registration exercise, a move mandated by Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026. The initiative, announced by National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, will commence on Monday, March 2, 2026, and run for three weeks across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the party statement, the registration aims to compile a comprehensive digital database of its members, a new legal requirement for all political parties. The Electoral Act 2026 stipulates that parties must submit a digital register of members to the Independent National National Electoral Commission (INEC). This shift from manual to digital record-keeping is part of broader electoral reforms intended to enhance transparency and accuracy in the political process.
The exercise will be conducted daily except Sundays at all PDP ward, chapter, and state offices nationwide. Special cases will be handled at the party’s National Secretariat. A special oversight committee, chaired by National Organising Secretary Hon. Theophilus Daka Shan, has been established to supervise the registration and address any grievances that may arise.
The party is urging both existing members and the general public to visit their nearest PDP ward office to participate in the registration. This call underscores the PDP’s effort to ensure broad participation ahead of the statutory deadline for submitting the digital register to INEC.
The transition to a digital membership system represents a significant operational change for Nigeria’s political parties. Historically, maintaining verifiable and up-to-date membership lists has been a challenge, often leading to disputes and questions about internal democracy. By embracing digital registration, the PDP is aligning with the new legal framework, which aims to curb ghost members, reduce fraud, and provide a clearer picture of party strength for electoral management.
The successful implementation of this three-week exercise will be a critical test for the PDP’s administrative capacity. The outcome will directly impact its compliance with the Electoral Act and its preparedness for future electoral cycles. Observers will watch how smoothly the process unfolds, particularly in managing large crowds and ensuring data integrity at the ward level. The step also sets a precedent that other political parties are expected to follow, marking a shift towards more technologically driven political organization in Nigeria.
For Media Talk Africa, this development highlights a key aspect of Nigeria’s evolving electoral landscape—where legal reforms are now driving digital transformation within political institutions. The PDP’s action signals industry-wide adaptation to the 2026 Act’s requirements, a process that will shape party politics and electoral credibility in the coming years.
