NIN Revalidation Fee: A Hidden Barrier Stifling APC M’ship Drive– APC Stakeholders Cry Out

By Tgnews Reporter

The All Progressives Congress (APC) nationwide electronic membership registration and revalidation exercise, launched on January 5, 2026, is facing widespread criticism from party stakeholders over an unexpected hurdle: the cost associated with updating or revalidating phone numbers linked to the National Identification Number (NIN).

The APC’s e-registration process, aimed at building a credible, unified digital database of members ahead of future elections, requires participants to present a valid NIN alongside their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) or Voter Identification Number (VIN) for verification at ward-level registration points.

This measure is intended to enhance transparency, eliminate duplicates, and align party records with national identity systems managed by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

However, a significant number of prospective and existing members are unable to complete registration because the phone number currently linked to their NIN does not match the one they use.

This mismatch—often stemming from changes in mobile numbers over time—triggers the need for a NIN data modification.

Recent NIMC fee structures show that changes to phone numbers and similar non-critical fields now attract a service charge of approximately ₦2,000 (with some reports citing variations up to ₦2,200 depending on the mode or additional verification).

While NIMC provides free initial NIN enrollment and certain error corrections may qualify for waivers, voluntary modifications such as phone number updates typically incur this fee.

For many Nigerians, particularly in rural areas, low-income households, and economically challenged communities, this amount represents a substantial burden—equivalent to several days’ wages or basic household expenses.

APC stakeholders across the states have voiced strong concerns, describing the fee as an unintentional but effective barrier to mass participation.

In northern states like Adamawa and parts of the North-West, where poverty levels remain high and access to NIMC modification centers is limited, thousands of enthusiastic potential members have reportedly been turned away or discouraged.

Similar complaints have emerged in other regions, with local party officials noting that the issue disproportionately affects grassroots mobilization efforts.

“This is not about the party excluding anyone intentionally,” said one APC ward leader in the North-East, speaking anonymously.

“People want to join and support the APC, but when they learn they must pay ₦2,000 or more just to fix a phone number mismatch, many simply give up. It’s stifling our drive to grow membership inclusively.”

The problem has sparked broader debate on civic access and democratic inclusion. Stakeholders argue that while the NIN requirement promotes credibility and integration with national databases, attaching financial costs to routine updates risks alienating vulnerable groups and undermining the spirit of open political participation. Some have called it a “hidden tax” on the poor’s right to affiliate with a political party.

Critics within and outside the party are urging NIMC to introduce targeted waivers or free modifications for individuals participating in political registration exercises.

“Identity systems should facilitate, not obstruct, civic engagement,” a civil society advocate noted. “If the goal is accurate records and broad participation, removing this fee barrier would align with national interests and boost public confidence in both NIMC processes and party activities.”

As the registration exercise progresses through January and into April in some extensions, the NIN revalidation fee remains a flashpoint. Without swift intervention, stakeholders warn, it could limit the APC’s ability to capture a truly representative membership base, potentially affecting party strength and grassroots enthusiasm ahead of 2027 electoral preparations.

Nigeria’s democracy depends on equitable access to political processes. Addressing this administrative bottleneck, advocates say, would not only aid the APC’s membership goals but reinforce the principle that no financial hurdle should stand between citizens and their chosen political affiliation.