The All Progressives Congress has dismissed criticisms from the African Democratic Congress over its ongoing nationwide digital membership registration exercise, describing the allegations as driven by fear and intimidation over the ruling party’s growing popularity.

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the ADC’s claims that civil servants were being coerced into joining the party were false, baseless and aimed at discrediting what he described as a landmark innovation in party administration.

In a statement on Monday, Morka accused the ADC of orchestrating a disinformation campaign, including the circulation of a fake APC membership slip allegedly linked to a known terrorist, to undermine public confidence in the registration process.

“That claim is entirely false and unfounded and is calculated to cast a shadow over the cutting-edge digitisation of our party’s membership register,” Morka said.

According to him, the large turnout recorded since the launch of the e-registration exercise reflects Nigerians’ growing confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said is already producing tangible results across the country.

Morka said millions of Nigerians had voluntarily signed up to the party, prompting the APC leadership to extend the registration period from January 31 to February 8, 2026, to accommodate the influx of prospective members.

He argued that the ADC’s reaction underscores its discomfort with the ruling party’s expanding support base, but stressed that such concerns do not justify the spread of misinformation.

“While opposition parties fumble and trade in falsehoods, the APC remains focused on consolidating its reforms and setting a new benchmark for digital and democratic innovation in Africa,” he said.

Speaking at a joint briefing, the APC National Secretary described the e-registration exercise as a historic milestone, noting that it demonstrates the party’s commitment to transparency, compliance and global best practices.

Morka, who also addressed the briefing, said the success of the registration drive has placed the APC ahead of the Independent National Electoral Commission in capturing accurate and verifiable membership data, adding that the party remains committed to strengthening internal democracy and public trust.

The interim leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party has reaffirmed that Nabil Sarki Aliyu Daneji and Saadu Aminu Saadu remain the party’s valid candidates for the February 21 by-elections into the Kano State House of Assembly.

The by-elections are to fill the vacancies in the Kano Municipal and Ungogo state constituencies created by the deaths of two serving lawmakers.

The party said the names of the two candidates had already been duly forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission, insisting that their nominations were valid and in line with the party’s internal processes.

The NNPP was responding to claims by the spokesperson to the Kano State Governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who had alleged that the emergence of multiple candidates from different NNPP factions justified Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s defection to the All Progressives Congress.

In a statement, the NNPP interim publicity secretary, Engr. Ibrahim Karaye, dismissed the claims, maintaining that the party had officially presented the sons of the deceased lawmakers as its candidates for the by-elections.

Karaye acknowledged that some factional elements, including Senator Mas’ud Jibrin Doguwa, had submitted different names to INEC, but described such actions as illegal and unauthorised.

He stressed that the party dissociated itself from individuals parading themselves as factional chairmen, noting that many of them were either former members whose memberships had been terminated or individuals who had never belonged to the party.

According to him, the NNPP remains under the leadership of Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Maikano as acting chairman, adding that Senator Doguwa had never been a member of the party.

He further stated that Hon. Abdullahi Zubairu Abiya’s claim to the party chairmanship became invalid following the dissolution of the Dungurawa-led executives by the party’s National Working Committee.

The NNPP spokesman advised the Kano State Government to focus on governance and policies that benefit the people of the state, rather than engaging in what he described as attempts to rationalise actions perceived by party members as a betrayal of the NNPP and its leadership.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has held a high-level consultative meeting with the national leadership of the Action Democratic Party at his Abuja residence, fuelling fresh conversations around opposition strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The meeting, which took place at the weekend, was confirmed on Sunday by the ADP National Chairman, Yabagi Yusuf Sani, who described the engagement as part of the party’s ongoing consultations with key democratic stakeholders across the country.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Sani said the discussion was centred on protecting democratic pluralism, strengthening opposition stability and safeguarding credible electoral choices ahead of the next general elections.

“The national leadership of the ADP, led by the National Chairman, Yabagi Yusuf Sani, held a high-level consultative meeting with Atiku Abubakar, Wazirin Adamawa, as part of its ongoing engagements with key democratic stakeholders,” he said.

According to him, the talks focused on the need to preserve democratic competition, ensure constitutionally compliant political platforms and promote responsible political preparedness to protect voter choice and institutional integrity.

Sani dismissed speculations that the meeting was aimed at a merger or recruitment drive, stressing that it should not be interpreted as a signal of imminent political realignment.

“ADP remains focused on institutional stability, constitutionalism and keeping credible options open for Nigerians. Any future decisions, if and when they arise, will be taken transparently and communicated formally,” he said.

Despite the clarification, political observers note that the meeting comes amid heightened speculations about possible opposition realignments ahead of 2027.

In particular, attention has been drawn to ongoing discussions around opposition coalition talks, including rumours of a potential Peter Obi–Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso alliance on the platform of the African Democratic Congress.

Ahead of party primaries for the forthcoming Enugu State local government elections, no fewer than 15 aspirants have indicated interest in contesting the chairmanship position of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area.

The aspirants are drawn mainly from the two dominant blocs in the council area – Isi-Uzo Central Development Centre and Eha-Amufu West Development Centre – as arguments over fairness and political inclusion continue to shape the contest.

From the Isi-Uzo Central Development Centre, those reportedly in the race include Hon. Barr. Azubuike Odo, Hon. Uche Ugwueze, Chief Victor Ngwu, Hon. James Nnaji, Prof. Ifeanyi Odoziobodo, Hon. Emmanuel Ugwu, Dr. Collins Ogbu, Esq., Dr. Onyeka Nnamani and Paul Ugwuagbo Jnr.

On the other hand, aspirants from Eha-Amufu West Development Centre include Hon. Francis Ede, Darlington Nnaji, Chief Brendan Ani, Hon. Simon Ede, Chief Raymond Ugwu and Hon. Shepherd Chijioke Iyioku.

DAILY GAZETTE observe that the chairmanship race is unfolding against the backdrop of concerns over the concentration of key political positions within Isi-Uzo Central Development Centre.

Currently, the State House of Assembly seat is occupied by Hon. Gabriel Eze, while the Commissioner for Environment, Prof. Sam Ugwu, also hails from the same bloc.

In addition, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Strategic Communication, Dr. Collins Ogbu, Esq., and the Secretary of the Enugu State Security Trust Fund, Engr. Chinedu Ani, are all from Isi-Uzo Central.

In contrast, Eha-Amufu West Development Centre is not currently occupying any major elective or appointive position at either the state or local government level, a situation that has strengthened calls for the zone to be considered for the council chairmanship.

The agitation has been further heightened by the interest shown by aspirants from Umualor Ward in Isi-Uzo Central Development Centre, a ward that already produces the sitting lawmaker and a senior aide to the governor.

Critics argue that this development undermines the principles of equity and fair political participation.

As consultations continue, stakeholders warn that ignoring zoning sensitivities, capacity, acceptability and broad-based support in selecting the party’s candidate could weaken the party’s chances and open the door for opposition parties in the local government election.

Many believe that a balanced approach that reflects inclusivity, mutual respect and unity of purpose will be crucial to producing leadership capable of driving all-round development in Isi-Uzo.

With party primaries approaching, attention is now firmly on how political leaders will navigate the competing interests to deliver a candidate that commands widespread acceptance across the local government area.