• The Peoples Democratic Party launched an e-registration and sensitisation drive in Sokoto to expand membership and improve data accuracy
• The initiative is part of a nationwide effort to digitise the party’s membership register ahead of upcoming elections
• The former Commissioner for Water Resources, Dahiru Yusuf Yabo, attributed the absence of state party executives to political realignments

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday, April 8, kicked off its e-registration and sensitisation exercise in Sokoto State, aiming to boost membership and improve the accuracy of its database, despite concerns over the absence of key party executives.

The exercise, held at Dankeni Guest House, forms part of the party’s nationwide initiative to digitise its membership register and strengthen grassroots mobilisation ahead of forthcoming elections.

Addressing questions about the absence of members of the state executive council, former Commissioner for Water Resources, Dahiru Yusuf Yabo, linked the situation to recent political realignments.

“The leadership that produced the current executives has moved to another platform, but asked them to remain in PDP while staying away from its activities. That explains their absence,” he said.

Yabo, however, downplayed concerns that the development reflected internal weakness.

“The PDP remains a strong and formidable platform. We are mobilising and repositioning across the country,” he added.

Speaking on developments at the national level, Yabo referenced the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, noting that shifting alliances are a normal part of politics.

“Wike has not denied his membership of PDP. Alignments happen in politics, but the focus should be on strengthening the party,” he said.

Also speaking, a former aide to ex-governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Hayyatu Tafida, explained that the e-registration system was designed to improve transparency and prevent duplication.

“It captures complete details of members, making it impossible for anyone to misuse another person’s identity,” she said.

She further noted that the digital system complements the traditional registration process.

“After registering electronically, members are still documented at the ward level for record purposes. It is a continuous exercise,” he added.

Another stakeholder, Hadiza Abubakar, said the sensitisation campaign is focused on bridging the digital divide, particularly among grassroots members.

“We are training facilitators who will go back to their communities to help others register. The aim is to reach as many people as possible,” she said.

Hadiza also dismissed claims of internal division within the party.

“There is no faction in the PDP. We have one recognised leadership and we are fully prepared for elections,” she stated.

She further rejected speculation that the party may not field candidates in future elections.

“That is not correct. PDP will present candidates and is working seriously towards the elections,” she said.

The PDP’s digital membership drive highlights its ongoing efforts to rebuild and consolidate its base, even as internal political shifts continue to influence its structure in Sokoto State.

Accord party launches National e-registration in compliance with electoral act

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that The ruling Accord Party in Osun State had announced its readiness to fully comply with the 2026 Electoral Act amendments, which require all political parties to register their members electronically. The party said it has already commenced a nationwide e-registration and revalidation exercise to align with the new legal framework.

Accord urged all members across Nigeria, including those living abroad and new prospective members, to take advantage of the exercise and secure their updated membership cards.

Members who previously joined via the old platform were also encouraged to participate, as the e-registration process requires more comprehensive information.