The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over the alleged coercion of civil servants in several states to register for the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s ongoing e-registration exercise.
In a statement on Monday, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, said reports from across the country indicate that public servants and government workers are being pressured, allegedly by the APC’s national leadership, to enroll in the ruling party’s digital membership drive.
The opposition party described the practice as economic coercion and forced membership, warning that compelling civil servants to join a political party violates their constitutional right to freedom of association and undermines the neutrality of the civil service.
Abdullahi called on relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), labour unions, civil society organisations and the international community, to take note of what he described as a state-enabled abuse of power and a potential violation of data privacy and human rights.
According to him, the reports suggest a coordinated attempt to compel public servants to surrender their freedom of association as a condition for job security, career progression or access to livelihood, which he said is unacceptable in a democratic society.
He stressed that freedom of thought, conscience and association are inalienable rights guaranteed under the Constitution and not privileges to be granted by any ruling party.
The ADC further warned that the alleged actions pose a serious threat to the integrity and professionalism of the civil service, which is expected to remain neutral, merit-based and loyal to the state rather than any political party.
The party added that databases built through coercion do not translate to genuine political support, noting that inflated membership figures achieved through intimidation may serve propaganda purposes but cannot replace the will of citizens at the polls.
