Barely 24 hours after the African Democratic Congress launched its nationwide online membership registration, the exercise has been flooded with fake names, fabricated National Identification Numbers, and manipulated photos. This is not the first time such a problem has surfaced in Nigeria.

During previous party registration drives, including that of the All Progressive Congress, screenshots circulated showing fictitious members like Adolf Hitler and global leaders listed in party records. The ADC’s online portal has shown similar vulnerabilities. Users posted membership cards for President Bola Tinubu, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, international leaders, and even pets. Party officials, including former Lagos State governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, stressed that online registration is only the first step, with final confirmation to occur at the ward level. This is a valid reason that innovation in political processes must be paired with strong verification and transparency. Accessibility alone cannot replace credibility. As Nigeria gears up for 2027, digital systems will be tested not just for numbers, but for trust.

So, what do you make of this membership drive, progress or a loophole waiting to be exploited?