Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has inaugurated the e-registration and revalidation of membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The governor, who was recorded as the first person to register during the exercise in the state, said the initiative was aimed at strengthening the party and ensuring an accurate membership database for effective planning.

He stated that all individuals willing to register as members of the party must be given the opportunity to do so, warning against the exclusion of anyone from the process.

"It is important that we know how many of us are members of this exclusive club (APC), which is arguably the biggest party in Africa. This is the only party to develop Nigeria and all the states in Nigeria, including all the local governments," he said while addressing party leaders in Ilorin during the APC Stakeholders' Engagement and the commencement of the e-registration and revalidation exercise.

The event was organised by the state chapter of the APC under the leadership of its chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi.

"We want to know how many we are, so that we can use that to enumerate, canvass, and protect ourselves properly, empower ourselves properly, not leaving anyone behind.

"Now, for those who have been tasked with this exercise: don't exclude anyone. We need all the members we can get. So, make sure you register, not just our members, you should go out and canvass for new members.

"This is an opportunity to canvass new members. You've seen all the work that's been done from the federal level to the state and local government level. Use that to market the party, to make sure that we expand from where we used to be," he said.

The Governor said his administration has executed projects across sectors which has made Kwara State more developed and viable than it ever was.

"The facts speak for themselves across every sector. We have posted sterling performances that everyone can see in every part of the state," he stated.

The Governor said everyone needs their National Identity Number (NIN) to be onboarded as members of the the party.

The event was attended by top party chieftains, federal and state legislators, cabinet members, board chairmen and members, among others.

Fagbemi, State APC Chairman, said the meeting was called to assure everyone in the APC that there is no hanky-panky, and to create equitable platform for all.

He said arrangements have been put in place to make sure no one is marginalised, adding that intending registrants will be required to meet some pre-conditions.

The Chairman commended the Governor for his pragmatism and achievements across key sectors, including education, health, and road infrastructure.

"The reasons for our gathering include but are not limited to the fact that we have to work together as one entity. We must unite and work together and align behind Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who is our leader. We have seen the achievements of the Governor and that is strong enough to mobilise the people," he said.

Deputy Chief of Staff, Princess Bukola Babalola, said it takes the concerted efforts of the party leaders and stalwarts to make the exercise successful, asking all and sundry to support the exercise.

"This registration exercise is not a one-man's job. We must participate and see to the success of the registration exercise," she said.

Chairman, Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa, said the registration exercise offers an opportunity for the state to strengthen membership of the party.

He noted that whatever numbers the party gets at the end of the exercise will translate to votes come 2027, thanking the party leadership for creating an avenue to expand the party's membership.

"We are not going to be audio politicians but ones who will bring our votes," he said.

State Coordinator for membership e-registration, Mubarak Bello, who took the gathering through the guidelines, rules and mode of operation of the exercise, said electronic registration would take place across the three Senatorial Districts, urging all party faithful to participate in the process.

Bello explained that a total of 579 registration agents will be onboarded from across 193 wards, saying this will be preceded by registration of senatorial administrators and local government supervisors.

"Only members (people) with valid National Identification Numbers (NIN) are eligible to be registered. Members with invalid NIN should as a matter of necessity relate with the agent so as to accelerate the means of revalidation of their number," he said.

Chairman, APC Elders' Caucus, Alhaji Razaq Lawal, called on members of the party to play their roles by mobilising and working for the success of the exercise.

He called Governor AbdulRazaq a God-fearing man and reformer, who he said has continued to develop the state and lead by example, requesting all Kwarans to continue to support him to succeed.