The African Democratic Congress (ADC), one of Nigeria's emerging opposition parties positioning itself as a major contender ahead of the 2027 general elections, has issued a strong public alert cautioning citizens, party members, and supporters against a surge in fraudulent online links, websites, and social media accounts falsely purporting to be the party's official membership registration platform. In a statement released on Sunday, January 11, 2026, the party categorically declared that no official online registration link or website is currently operational.
The warning was issued by the party's National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, and shared via the ADC's verified X (formerly Twitter) account. The statement highlighted the circulation of deceptive digital materials designed to mislead intending members into providing personal information or making payments under the guise of joining the ADC. Abdullahi urged the public to completely disregard all such circulating links and platforms.
“At this time, ADC has not launched any public online membership registration link. The party is currently working on its official registration and verification platform, which will be formally announced through verified party channels in due course,” the statement read. It further emphasized that the ADC would never request payments, sensitive personal details—such as names, phone numbers, Permanent Voter Card (PVC) information, Bank Verification Number (BVN), or financial data—through unofficial channels, WhatsApp messages, direct messages, or third-party websites.
The alert comes at a critical juncture for the ADC, which has rapidly gained prominence in recent months following high-profile defections and alignments. In July 2025, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi joined the party, followed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in November 2025, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi on December 31, 2025. Under the leadership of National Chairman Senator David Mark (former Senate President) and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola (former Osun State Governor), the ADC has positioned itself as a coalition platform for opposition forces seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
This surge in membership interest and visibility has evidently created fertile ground for scammers. Fraudsters have exploited the party's growing popularity by creating fake registration portals, often mimicking official branding, to harvest personal data for identity theft, phishing attacks, or financial fraud. Some fraudulent sites reportedly demand registration fees or promise instant membership cards upon payment, tactics commonly used in online scams targeting politically active Nigerians.
The ADC's statement advised citizens to exercise caution by avoiding suspicious or unverified links, not sharing unconfirmed registration messages, and refraining from submitting any personal or financial information on unauthorized platforms. It encouraged reporting of suspicious links directly to the party through official communication channels. The party reiterated that all legitimate announcements—including the eventual launch of its membership registration system—would only come through verified ADC platforms, such as its official X handle (@ADCNig), Facebook page, and formal press releases from the national leadership.
This warning is part of a broader pattern of digital fraud targeting political parties in Nigeria, especially during periods of heightened political activity. Similar alerts have been issued by other parties in the past, including the Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party, amid fake convention notices, forged court orders, and bogus membership drives. The ADC's proactive disclosure reflects its commitment to transparency and protecting supporters from exploitation, particularly as the party expands its grassroots structures nationwide.
The party's emphasis on verified channels aligns with its ongoing efforts to consolidate as a credible alternative. Recent activities include the inauguration of a Constitution Review Committee on January 8, 2026, and preparations for nationwide membership revalidation and mobilization ahead of congresses and national convention. These initiatives underscore the ADC's focus on building internal democracy and institutional integrity, even as it navigates the challenges of rapid growth.
As Nigeria's political landscape heats up toward 2027, the ADC's alert serves as a timely reminder of the risks associated with online political engagement. With cyber fraud on the rise, experts recommend verifying information only through official party sources and reporting suspicious activity to relevant authorities, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).
The statement has been widely reported across major Nigerian media outlets, reinforcing the urgency of the message. Party officials have assured that once the official platform is ready, it will incorporate robust security measures, including verification protocols, to prevent future impersonations.
In the meantime, the ADC continues to urge Nigerians to remain vigilant and engage only through confirmed channels as it works toward strengthening its role in the nation's democratic process.
