Concerns Raised Over Alleged APC Registration Pressure on Civil Servants

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised the alarm over alleged coercion of civil servants in several states to register for the ongoing e-registration exercise of the ruling All Progressives Congress (ADC).

In a statement on Sunday, the opposition party accused the APC of using economic pressure to compel public servants to join the party, warning that such actions violate constitutional rights and undermine the neutrality of the civil service.

The statement, signed by the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the alleged practice as “economic coercion” and “forced membership”.

According to the ADC, reports from different parts of the country indicate that civil servants are being pressured to participate in the APC’s e-registration exercise as a condition for job security, career progression, or continued access to livelihood.

“These reports, which are consistent and widespread, suggest a coordinated attempt to compel public servants to surrender their freedom of association,” the party said.

The ADC stressed that freedom of association is guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution and cannot be overridden by any political party or government.

“Compelling any Nigerian to join a political party is a gross violation of fundamental human rights. These rights are inalienable and not privileges to be granted by the ruling party,” the statement read.

The party warned that the alleged practice poses a serious threat to the integrity and professionalism of Nigeria’s civil service.

“The civil service is meant to be neutral, merit-based and loyal to the state, not to any political party. Turning civil servants into partisan hostages undermines institutional integrity and erodes public trust in governance,” the ADC said.

It argued that political growth achieved through intimidation does not amount to genuine support, adding that inflated membership figures obtained under duress cannot translate into electoral success.

“A database filled through coercion is a paper tiger. Databases do not vote; citizens do,” the party said.

The ADC called on the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, labour unions, civil society organisations, and the international community to investigate the allegations.

It warned that the alleged actions could also amount to abuse of power and potential violations of data privacy laws.