TDThe South East Patriotic Forum (SEP) has expressed grave concern over what it described as the “extremely low” level of membership registration in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) across the South East region.
According to official figures released on 11 March 2026, the South East recorded only 23,296 registered members, a figure SEP says is alarmingly low compared to other regions. By contrast, Adamawa State alone registered 104,998 members, surpassing the combined total of all 17 states in Southern Nigeria, which stood at 96,884.
Stark Regional Disparities
- Anambra State: 6,260 members
- South East (total): 23,296 members
- South South: 35,944 members
- South West: 37,644 members
- Adamawa State: 104,998 members
SEP described the statistics as “deeply troubling”.
It noted that they expose a contradiction between the region’s frequent calls for greater political relevance and its apparent indifference to active participation in party structures.
Call for Action
Obunike Ohaegbu, National Coordinator of SEP, stressed that politics is a “game of numbers” and warned that the South East risks marginalising itself politically through inaction.
“The South East cannot continue to rely solely on rhetoric, emotional appeals, or political complaints while neglecting the most fundamental element of democratic engagement — membership and participation in political parties,” Ohaegbu said.
He urged community leaders, youth groups, professionals, traders, and political stakeholders to seize the ongoing registration opportunity to strengthen ADC’s membership base in the region.
Why Membership Matters
SEP emphasised that party membership is not symbolic but central to:
- Influencing internal party decisions
- Shaping candidate selection processes
- Participating meaningfully in national political negotiations
The Forum warned that those who remain outside party structures cannot expect to determine political outcomes.
Conclusion
Calling for immediate mobilisation, SEP insisted that “numbers determine power in politics”.
He urged the South East to act decisively to secure its rightful place in Nigeria’s political decision-making process.
“Equity favours the vigilant — not the indifferent. The opportunity is still open. The time to act is now,” Ohaegbu concluded.
