Former gubernatorial candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has taken a swipe at critics of the African Democratic Congress’ (ADC) nationwide online membership drive, urging senior political figures such as United States president Donald Trump and Nigeria’s Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to publicly validate their party registrations at grassroots wards.

In a post on social media platform X, Rhodes-Vivour described attempts to ridicule the ADC’s digital enrolment exercise as “laughable,” asserting that opposition growth should not be dismissed as mere online noise. “I understand the ‘city boys’ need a coping mechanism to accommodate the frightening numbers of ordinary people registering with the opposition,” he wrote, urging detractors to “keep tweeting while you keep registering.”

The ADC on Sunday launched a free online membership registration platform nationwide as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections, in line with the newly amended Electoral Act 2026 that requires political parties to maintain comprehensive digital membership registers ahead of primaries and party congresses.

Rhodes-Vivour emphasised that online registration represents only an initial step in building party structure and credibility, saying that “the real confirmation happens at the ward level.” He suggested that it would be a symbolic gesture if high-profile politicians such as Trump — a figure with global political influence and Tinubu, Nigeria’s incumbent president, physically presented themselves to validate their memberships at local polling wards.

The comment drew attention for its blend of political satire and challenge amid intensifying competition ahead of Nigeria’s next election cycle.

Observers say the ADC’s online drive has resonated with many Nigerians, including those in the diaspora, amid widespread disillusionment with the two dominant political parties. The portal, accessible at www.adcregistration.ng, allows citizens to register and have their details verified for eligibility in party primaries.

The ADC has recorded strong interest since launching both manual and online registration options across states, and it has asked existing members to revalidate their details on the new platform in order to comply with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines.