The Grassroots Mobilization Network, GMN, an affiliate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has accused the All Progressives Congress, APC, of inflating its membership figures ahead of the 2027 general election.

The group alleged that the ruling party’s claim of having 12.9 million members could be intended to create an impression of overwhelming grassroots support and lay the foundation for manipulating the election.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Comrade Peter Emeka, GMN challenged the APC to publish its membership register for public verification.

According to the group, the APC membership claim cannot be treated as evidence of political strength without verifiable records.

GMN alleged that the figure could be presented to Nigerians, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, election observers and the international community as evidence of the party’s popularity before the 2027 presidential election.

Emeka further alleged that the membership figure could support plans to manipulate the election, although he did not provide evidence establishing such a plan.

He insisted that Nigerians would resist any attempt to undermine the electoral process.

The ADC support group called on the APC to release its membership records by state and ward if its 12.9 million figure was genuine.

It argued that such disclosure would allow citizens and independent observers to compare the party’s claim with its actual presence across the country.

GMN also criticised the APC-led Federal Government over what it described as worsening economic conditions, including hunger, insecurity, unemployment and inflation.

The group argued that political parties seeking genuine membership growth should address issues affecting citizens rather than rely on publicity around membership statistics.

It claimed that public dissatisfaction with government performance was visible in communities and that inflated membership figures could deepen distrust between citizens and the government.

The group also warned that unverified political statistics could affect public confidence in the electoral process ahead of 2027.

According to GMN, civil society organisations and media organisations should demand evidence supporting the APC membership claim and subject the figure to independent scrutiny.

The group said Nigerians deserved an electoral process where votes are freely cast, transparently counted and accurately reflected in the final results.

It maintained that political strength should ultimately be demonstrated through public confidence, credible leadership and measurable performance rather than unverified membership numbers.