An African Democratic Congress, ADC, support group has questioned the All Progressives Congress, APC, claim of having 12.9 million members nationwide.
The Grassroots Mobilization Network, GMN, alleged that the membership figure was fabricated to create an impression of overwhelming grassroots support for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The group urged the APC to publish its membership register for public verification, saying Nigerians should be able to independently assess the strength claimed by the party.
The allegation was contained in a statement signed by GMN spokesperson, Comrade Peter Emeka.
Emeka argued that political strength could not be established through membership figures that had not been subjected to public scrutiny.
He alleged that the APC membership claim could also be used to influence perceptions among voters, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, election observers and the international community before the 2027 polls.
The group further alleged that the claimed figure could form part of preparations for manipulating the election.
However, it did not provide independent evidence to substantiate the allegation.
GMN challenged the ruling party to publish its membership records state by state and ward by ward if the 12.9 million figure was genuine.
According to the group, making the register available would allow Nigerians to compare the claimed membership strength with the APC’s presence across the country.
The ADC support group also linked the membership controversy to broader concerns about the performance of the APC-led Federal Government.
It accused the administration of relying on political messaging while Nigerians continue to face challenges involving hunger, insecurity, unemployment, inflation and economic hardship.
GMN argued that political parties seeking wider membership should focus on addressing issues affecting citizens rather than relying on statistics that voters cannot independently verify.
The group said Nigerians were more likely to support a political organisation that offered credible solutions and renewed hope.
It also claimed that public dissatisfaction could be seen in what it described as weak attendance at some political gatherings and reduced enthusiasm around party structures.
GMN warned that disputed membership figures could have consequences beyond political competition.
According to the group, claims that cannot be independently verified could further weaken public confidence in the electoral process and contribute to voter apathy ahead of the 2027 elections.
It maintained that political parties should demonstrate their strength through credible leadership, measurable performance and public trust.
The group called on civil society organisations and the media to demand evidence supporting the APC’s 12.9 million membership assertion.
It argued that transparency around party membership would help prevent unverified statistics from shaping public perceptions of electoral strength.
GMN also called for a transparent electoral process in 2027, insisting that Nigerians should be able to participate in an election where votes are properly protected and reflected in the final outcome.
The group maintained that political parties should compete on leadership, policies and performance rather than what it described as manufactured statistics.
It said independent scrutiny of the APC membership claim would help Nigerians better understand the actual political strength of the ruling party before the 2027 polls.
