ADC Accuses APC of Forcing Civil Servants to Register for Party Membership

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised a red flag over alleged coercion of civil servants in several Nigerian states to register for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)'s ongoing e-registration exercise.

According to the opposition party, the APC is using economic pressure to compel public servants to join their ranks, which they claim violates constitutional rights and undermines the neutrality of the civil service. 

In a statement, ADC's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the alleged practice as "economic coercion" and "forced membership".

Reports from various parts of the country suggest 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. 

The ADC believes this is a coordinated attempt to compel public servants to surrender their freedom of association, guaranteed under Nigeria's 1999 Constitution.

The party stresses that compelling Nigerians to join a political party is a gross violation of fundamental human rights and warns the alleged practice threatens 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," the ADC said.

The ADC argues that political growth achieved through intimidation isn't genuine support and calls inflated membership figures obtained under duress a "paper tiger". 

They urge the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, labour unions, civil society organisations, and the international community to investigate these allegations, warning of potential abuse of power and data privacy law violations.