The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State is rolling out a digital membership registration drive as part of renewed efforts to address voter apathy, rebuild trust, and strengthen party structures ahead of future elections.
At a stakeholders’ engagement in Yenagoa, party leaders say the move marks a strategic shift aimed at capturing accurate data, reconnecting with grassroots supporters, and restoring confidence in the political process, Mediaplusng.com reports. The initiative follows years of internal divisions and weak coordination that have affected mobilisation across the state.
Speaking at the meeting, the APC Caretaker Chairman in Bayelsa, Dennis Otiotio, describes the digital registration as a turning point for the party. He says the process is designed to unify members, end fragmentation, and create a credible database that reflects the party’s true strength on the ground.
National leaders also view the exercise as a response to a broader challenge beyond party politics. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, notes that declining voter participation cuts across party lines in Bayelsa and requires deliberate engagement strategies to reverse the trend, Mediaplusng.com adds.
For elected representatives, the registration drive is also seen as a pathway to restoring stability in Bayelsa’s political space. Senator Kombowei Benson of Bayelsa Central says stronger party organisation can reduce tensions and encourage more citizens to take part in the democratic process.
Governor Douye Diri, addressing party members, maintains that Bayelsa’s historically low voter turnout does not reflect political weakness. He argues that the figures point to a culture of integrity among voters and stresses the need for leaders to earn public trust through credible actions.
As the digital registration gains momentum, political observers say the coming weeks will test whether renewed engagement and technology-driven strategies can shift Bayelsa from voter apathy to active participation.
