Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has criticised the online membership registration system launched by the African Democratic Congress, claiming the platform has been overwhelmed by fake identities.

The ADC recently introduced a nationwide digital membership registration exercise as part of preparations for the 2027 general election.

The move was also intended to comply with the requirements of the Electoral Act 2026 and the guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

However, the process quickly drew attention after reports emerged that several entries on the platform contained suspicious details.

These reportedly included false names, incorrect National Identification Numbers, and mismatched photographs, raising concerns about the credibility of the party’s digital membership database.

Speaking during an interfaith breaking of the fast hosted by President Bola Tinubu and attended by federal ministers, Shettima mocked the opposition party’s registration exercise.

According to him, the system had been flooded with fictitious submissions shortly after it was opened.

He also referenced the opposition’s long-standing demand for electronic transmission of election results, suggesting the situation exposed weaknesses in their approach to digital political processes.

Shettima criticised opposition groups for what he described as spreading misinformation about the policies of the current administration.

Quoting former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, he said political opponents often surround the truth with falsehoods to influence public opinion.

The vice president urged political officeholders and members of the ruling party to actively defend the policies and achievements of the government as the country gradually approaches another election cycle.

He added that politically, the ruling party is now in a stronger position than it was during the 2023 general election.

Shettima also dismissed speculation that governors from opposition-controlled states were being pressured to defect to the ruling party.

According to him, any decision by governors to join the governing party would be based on their own political judgment rather than coercion.

The ADC has already announced steps to correct irregularities detected on its digital membership platform as it continues preparations for the next election season.