Abuja – The All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed that party members do not need to produce proof of payment of membership dues to vote in the ongoing primary elections. In a statement released on Saturday, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka emphasized that every duly registered member is entitled to cast a ballot, regardless of whether they can show receipts for dues.
The clarification comes after circulating reports suggested that proof of dues payment was a prerequisite for participation. According to the party’s communiqué, the requirement to submit such proof applied solely to aspirants and their nominators when filing Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, as well as during the subsequent screening process. It does not extend to rank‑and‑file members who are simply exercising their voting rights in the primaries.
“The Party urges members and stakeholders to disregard any contrary information and to enable all duly registered party members to participate peacefully in the ongoing primary elections without hindrance,” the statement read.
The APC’s directive seeks to quell confusion and ensure that the internal electoral process proceeds without unnecessary barriers. By separating the administrative obligations of candidates from the voting rights of ordinary members, the party aims to maintain a smooth and inclusive primary schedule.
Observers note that the clarification underscores the APC’s intent to streamline its internal democracy ahead of the national electoral calendar. While the party has previously required aspirants to verify financial compliance as part of candidacy vetting, extending the same condition to ordinary members could have disenfranchised a significant segment of its base.
The statement arrives as the party conducts multiple state‑level primaries to select candidates for upcoming general elections. Ensuring that all registered members can vote without additional documentation is expected to reduce disputes and bolster the credibility of the outcomes.
The APC has not indicated any change to the dues collection policy itself; the ruling pertains solely to voting eligibility. Party officials have called on members to focus on the primary process and to ignore rumors that could disrupt participation.
As the primaries continue, the APC’s clarification will likely be referenced in any challenges pertaining to member eligibility. The party’s emphasis on “peaceful” participation suggests a broader strategy to present a united front heading into the national election cycle.
