ADC worried over alleged force on Enugu civil servants into APC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed worry over an allegation making the rounds in some local government areas of Enugu state that civil servants, including teachers are being forced to register as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Recall that the APC is currently on membership drive with its ongoing e-registration of members in the party. Recall also that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, last year, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. 

The ADC however said that the news making rounds that the APC-led government of Enugu State is compelling civil servants, teachers, and Local Government employees to submit their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), National Identification Numbers (NINs), and bank account details to government authorities, are troubling. 

In a statement, on Friday, ADC's Director of Strategy, Policy, and Implementation in the South East, Dr Alex Obiechina, noted that the reports indicate that workers are being induced with promises of substantial financial payments, while being threatened with job loss should they fail to comply.

"We in the ADC consider this development deeply alarming. Such actions, if allowed to continue, constitute coercion of public employees, abuse of state power, and a serious threat to electoral integrity. They amount to vote buying and voter intimidation, practices that directly violate Nigeria’s Electoral Act and undermine the guarantees of political freedom enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," Obiechina said.

He equally noted with concern the reported collection of BVN and NIN data for political purposes, stating that identifiers are highly sensitive personal and financial data which their unlawful aggregation creates grave risks of identity theft, financial fraud, and large-scale abuse, exposing millions of citizens to potential harm. 

"This represents not merely a domestic political issue, but a broader democratic and human-rights concern. These fraudulent and pervasive acts must be suspended without further delay. 

"We also urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Relevant law-enforcement and anti-corruption agencies, Data-protection authorities, Civil society organizations, and International partners committed to democratic governance to urgently investigate these allegations and take appropriate action."

The ADC appealed to Enugu State workers to remain vigilant and to resist any form of intimidation or coercion that compromises their constitutional rights and personal security.

"Democracy depends on free choice, not fear. Public service must never be weaponized for partisan gain. The vote is a fundamental human right, not a tradable commodity.

"The African Democratic Congress (ADC) remains steadfast in its commitment to the rule of law, data privacy, and democratic accountability in Nigeria," Obiechina reassured.