Despite internal leadership challenges, Nigeria’s opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it has surpassed 4.2 million registrations in its ongoing digital membership exercise. Party officials argue the figures reflect sustained grassroots support and dissatisfaction with the ruling government.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that more than 4.2 million Nigerians have enrolled in its digital membership register, even as the party continues to grapple with internal leadership disputes.
Registration Figures Exceed Initial Deadline
Speaking to journalists, PDP National Publicity Secretary IniEmeobong revealed that as of midnight on March 31, 2026—the initial deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)—the party had recorded 4,264,675 members on its portal.
He noted that the exercise is still ongoing following an extension granted by INEC, adding that the total figure does not fully capture the party’s overall membership base.
“Our data shows that ward registration agents have recorded over 4.26 million members. While our membership exceeds this number, we commend those who have remained committed despite recent challenges,” he said.
Gender and Demographic Breakdown
According to the party, male members account for 2,336,069 of the total registrations, surpassing female members—1,928,606—by just over nine percent.
In terms of age distribution, young Nigerians between 18 and 40 years make up 40.3 percent of registered members. Those aged 41 to 60 account for 30.7 percent, while individuals aged 61 and above represent 28.9 percent.
Emeobong said the figures demonstrate broad acceptance of the party across age groups, with younger Nigerians forming the largest segment.
Regional Distribution and State Rankings
Geographically, the South-West leads with 953,954 registered members, followed by the South-South with 917,652. The North-Central region recorded 757,502 members, while the North-West and North-East posted 754,935 and 646,305 registrations respectively. The South-East recorded the lowest figure at 234,327.
At the state level, Kaduna recorded the highest number of registrants with 408,915 members. Edo followed with 378,033, while Oyo accounted for 368,204. Ogun and Kano states registered 316,311 and 275,786 members respectively.
The party also reported an average of 24 members per polling unit and approximately 484 members across each of the 8,809 wards nationwide.
PDP Links Registration Surge to Public Sentiment
The PDP attributed the surge in registrations to growing public dissatisfaction with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Emeobong argued that the data suggests that while some politicians may be defecting to the ruling party, ordinary voters are not following suit.
“If Nigerians wanted to join the APC, they would have done so easily. This process shows that it is politicians defecting, not the electorate,” he said.
He further stated that the growing membership base places a responsibility on the party’s leadership to protect the political interests of its supporters.
Challenges Persist Despite Momentum
While celebrating the milestone, the PDP acknowledged ongoing internal issues but maintained that the registration figures signal resilience and continued relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The party concluded that the digital registration exercise offers deeper insights into voter behavior and grassroots engagement, with detailed data available down to local government and ward levels.
