The All Progressives Congress on Thursday raised concern over the poor turnout recorded in its ongoing e-membership registration exercise, urging state chairmen to take ownership of the process and ensure full participation across all senatorial districts.

Speaking at the APC e-Membership Registration Train-the-Trainers Workshop for state and FCT party chairmen in Abuja, the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, disclosed that while a few states had made commendable progress, many others had barely started.

“Up till now, there are states that have not even done anything. It is only those sent to represent the senatorial districts who have so far registered,” Argungu lamented.

“We, at the national secretariat and state organising secretaries, are closely looking at the data daily to see how many members have cued in each of the state secretariats.”

According to him, while Delta State currently leads the pack with 296,508 registered members, states like Edo and Cross River have recorded just nine members each, Nasarawa and the FCT five, Ogun 292, Osun eight, Imo three, Enugu none, and Oyo 93.

“In particular, ensure only members who possess INEC voter’s cards should be registered. What this means is that they can vote and be voted for,” Argungu added.

He explained that the workshop was designed to provide the party’s state leaders with a comprehensive understanding of the digital registration system aimed at cleaning up the party’s membership data.

“Through this initiative, we will build a credible and verifiable digital database of APC members nationwide, improve transparency, and strengthen our mobilisation base ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

Argungu noted that over five million members had so far been validated in the ongoing process, which, he said, reflects the party’s renewed commitment to organisational integrity under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

“In the past, we have had to work with wrong figures that didn’t tally with the party membership register,” he said. “This reform reflects our collective commitment to modernisation, inclusivity, and organisational excellence.”

The e-membership registration initiative was introduced barely two years after the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, dismissed the APC’s previously claimed 45 million membership as a fabrication.

At the opening session of the digital registration workshop in Abuja, Basiru had revealed that the 2023 general elections exposed the false figures, as the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, secured fewer than 10 million votes despite the supposed massive membership.

“If we have that membership of 45 million, how come we went to the poll and got votes of less than 10 million?” Basiru queried.

“We made a mistake because the register of the party was a tool for fighting causes we don’t know. The weaponisation of the party register led to corruption.”

He said the new digital and biometric-based system—linked with members’ National Identification Numbers —was designed to restore credibility and integrity to the APC’s internal database.

The then-APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, also backed the reform, stressing that the new digital register would form the basis for decision-making, party planning, and candidate verification in future elections.

“Each person is expected to provide his or her biometric data which must tally with the details captured in the National Identity Number,” Ganduje explained.

“This process will not only drive planning and projection but also serve as a reference for any member seeking appointment or contesting elections.”

The e-registration drive, which has now entered its state-level implementation phase, is expected to strengthen the ruling party’s structure and credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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The political landscape in Kano State witnessed a rare moment of conciliation on Tuesday as sitting Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his predecessor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, crossed paths for the first time since the heated 2023 elections.

The brief yet cordial encounter, which took place at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, has been widely interpreted by party stalwarts as a sign that longstanding rivalries may be giving way to dialogue and cooperation.

Speaking to our correspondent, Alhassan Garba Yaryasa, a senior APC chieftain and former Tinubu campaign coordinator in Kano South, said he had long prayed for such a meeting.

“I have been praying for this moment for a long time,” Yaryasa said.

“The politics of Kano has sometimes been characterised by tension and rivalry, but seeing both leaders meet cordially today is reassuring. It is a demonstration that political contests should not create permanent animosity.”

He added that the encounter was more than a courtesy visit. “This is symbolic of the kind of political maturity we need in Kano,” Yaryasa continued.

“It sends a strong message to all party members, legislators, and stakeholders that we can set aside differences for the greater good of our people.

“I was not surprised by this meeting because I have always believed in dialogue and reconciliation.

“Politics is ultimately about service to the citizens, not personal grudges or vendettas. This is an example that other political actors should emulate,” he maintained.

Yaryasa, who also stressed the practical significance of the meeting, noted: “Kano has pressing developmental challenges—security, infrastructure, education, health—and political rivalry should not stand in the way of addressing these issues.”

According to him, both Governor Yusuf and former Governor Ganduje have influence and experience that, if harnessed constructively, can benefit the state.

He described the meeting as a signal that collaboration is possible, even among former opponents.

Similarly, Mustapha Muhammad Bello, Senior Special Reporter to the Governor at the Deputy Governor’s Office, described the encounter as a sign of political wisdom and maturity.

“This is an important moment in Kano politics,” Bello said.

“It is historic not because of the length of the interaction but because of what it represents. When leaders meet on cordial terms, it sets a precedent for cooperation, dialogue, and shared commitment to the welfare of the people.”

Bello stressed that the cordiality displayed was a lesson for younger politicians. “Our political environment often exaggerates conflicts, but this meeting shows that respect and mutual understanding are still possible.

“Governor Yusuf and former Governor Ganduje may have contested fiercely in 2023, but today, they demonstrated that rivalry need not become hostility. This is a positive development that could reshape how political disputes are handled in Kano.”

He further explained that such encounters could foster practical cooperation.

“When leaders demonstrate willingness to communicate, it encourages legislators, party executives, and government officials to work together on developmental projects.

“It strengthens governance, transparency, and accountability. This meeting is more than a handshake—it is a starting point for a new political culture in the state.”

Arewa PUNCH reports that the meeting between the duo occurred at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, where Ganduje, currently Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Board, was inspecting airport facilities.

Arewa PUNCH gathered that the Kano governor was travelling to Abuja.  Coincidentally, he crossed paths with his predecessor, leading to the cordial interaction.

Ganduje, a two-term former governor, was received by top APC officials, while Governor Yusuf, under the New Nigeria People’s Party, was accompanied by senior government aides. The meeting evoked smiles, warm handshakes, and the exchange of pleasantries that lasted several minutes.

Our correspondent recalls that Ganduje did not personally hand over power after the 2023 elections, delegating the then Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, to conduct the official handover.

Earlier,  Governor Yusuf had defeated Ganduje’s anointed candidate, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna of the APC, to secure victory in the highly contested election.

Political pundits believe the encounter could reduce tension between supporters of the two parties and encourage collaborative governance in Kano.

“It may be brief,” one analyst said, “but the symbolism is powerful—showing that even past rivals can meet, converse, and demonstrate political maturity for the state’s progress,” Dr Ahmed Shehu.

Former Deputy Governor of Osun State and immediate past National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has become the first governorship aspirant to pick the APC’s N50m Nomination and Expression of Interest forms ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.

The development, confirmed in a phone chat with The PUNCH on Thursday by the party’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, marks the formal start of what is expected to be a fierce contest for the ruling party’s ticket.

“Yes, it is true. And you are also right about the observation that he was the first governorship aspirant to pick the nomination and expression of interest forms,” Duru told The PUNCH.

Omisore, who arrived at the APC national secretariat in Abuja with a crowd of jubilant supporters dressed in customised attire, said his decision to join the race was inspired by service and a commitment to rebuild Osun.

“This is not about ambition; it is about responsibility — a responsibility to rebuild our state, restore trust in leadership, and chart a new direction for a prosperous Osun,” the former deputy governor said after collecting his forms.

Party insiders say Omisore’s early entry into the race could give him an advantage over the 13 other aspirants expected to join the contest.

Known for his deep political roots and grassroots network, the former lawmaker is widely seen as one of the major contenders for the APC ticket when the party’s primary holds on December 13, 2025.

The move comes amid renewed political mobilisation in Osun, where the ruling Peoples Democratic Party is also gearing up for a fierce re-election battle.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking a second term, recently dismissed fears that internal rifts within the PDP could affect his chances, insisting he remains “cruising to victory.”

In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke described the PDP’s internal disagreements as “a family affair” and urged party loyalists to remain steadfast.

“We are cruising to victory next year, and we must remain committed to ensuring that we rebuild this party for renewed landslide victory,” the governor said.

Three months ago, the APC announced that its governorship primary for the August 8, 2026, Osun election would hold on December 13, 2025.

In its official schedule of activities released from the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, the APC pegged the cost of the Nomination and Expression of Interest forms at N50 million.

The National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, disclosed this in a statement in August.

“Members whose names appear on the Register and are up to date in paying their membership dues over the past year up to February 2025 will be eligible to vote and be voted for,” the statement read.

The party said the sale of forms began on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, while completed forms and delegate lists are expected to be submitted by December 1, 2025.

With the timetable now in place and Omisore’s declaration setting the tone, the battle for the Osun APC governorship ticket is already gathering momentum ahead of next year’s primaries.

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