Don’t Exclude Anyone, AbdulRazaq Charges APC as Kwara Begins E-Registration

K Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday flagged off the electronic registration and revalidation of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, charging party officials to ensure that no willing member is excluded from the exercise.

The Governor, who became the first registrant in the state, said the e-registration was aimed at strengthening the party, ensuring an accurate membership database and positioning the APC for effective mobilisation ahead of future elections.

“It is important that we know how many of us are members of this exclusive club (APC), which is arguably the biggest party in Africa. This is the only party to develop Nigeria and all the states in Nigeria, including all the local governments,” AbdulRazaq said at the APC Stakeholders’ Engagement and commencement of the e-registration and revalidation exercise in Ilorin.

He cautioned party officials and registration agents against marginalisation, stressing that the process must be open and inclusive.

“Now, for those who have been tasked with this exercise: don’t exclude anyone. We need all the members we can get. So, make sure you register, not just our members; you should go out and canvass for new members,” the Governor said.

Describing the exercise as an opportunity to grow the party, AbdulRazaq urged party faithful to leverage achievements recorded at the federal, state and local government levels to attract new members.

“You’ve seen all the work that’s been done from the federal level to the state and local government level. Use that to market the party, to make sure that we expand from where we used to be,” he added.

The Governor also highlighted the impact of his administration across sectors, saying Kwara State is more developed and viable than it was before his tenure.

“The facts speak for themselves across every sector. We have posted sterling performances that everyone can see in every part of the state,” he said, adding that prospective members must possess a valid National Identity Number (NIN) to be registered.

The programme was organised by the State APC under the leadership of its Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, and was attended by party chieftains, federal and state legislators, cabinet members, board chairmen and other stakeholders.

Fagbemi said the meeting was convened to reassure party members of transparency and fairness in the process.
“This meeting is to assure everyone that there is no hanky-panky and that an equitable platform has been created for all,” he said, noting that measures have been put in place to prevent marginalisation.

He commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his pragmatism and achievements in key sectors such as education, health and road infrastructure, urging party members to remain united.
Deputy Chief of Staff, Princess Bukola Babalola, said the success of the exercise depends on collective effort, calling on party leaders and members to support the process.

“This registration exercise is not a one-man’s job. We must participate and see to the success of the registration exercise,” she said.

Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa, described the e-registration as an opportunity to strengthen the party’s base ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Whatever numbers we get at the end of this exercise will translate to votes come 2027. We are not going to be audio politicians but ones who will bring our votes,” he said.

The State Coordinator for membership e-registration, Mubarak Bello, explained the guidelines and operational framework, stating that electronic registration would be conducted across the three senatorial districts.

Bello disclosed that 579 registration agents would be deployed across the state’s 193 wards, following the onboarding of senatorial administrators and local government supervisors.

“Only members with valid National Identification Numbers (NIN) are eligible to be registered. Members with invalid NIN should relate with the agent to accelerate the revalidation process,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman of the APC Elders’ Caucus, Hon. Razaq Lawal, urged party members to mobilise and work towards the success of the exercise, describing Governor AbdulRazaq as a reformer who has continued to lead the state by example.