Between Political Party Registration and Population Census, which one should be priority?
George Tseen
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has began the distribution of registration materials from the party’s national secretariat in Abuja to all designated registration centres nationwide.
The distribution exercise which commenced today 28th January, 2021 is supervised by the National Secretary Sen. John James Akpanudoedehen alongside the Party’s Director of Administration, Alh. Abubakar Suleiman and Director of Organisation, Prof. Ussiju Medaner. The exercise is to last from Jan 28th to Feb 8th. Priority is key in Governance; the importance of conducting a population census in a third world country like Nigeria cannot be over emphasized. This is because it provides the data essential for policy making, planning and administration, aimed at enhancing the welfare of the population.
In Nigeria, the Population Census is conducted every 10 years, during which period it allows capturing the changes in structure and movement of population.
It will be recalled that the last time the Federal Government of Nigeria conducted a population Census was in the year 2006. The 16 years old data used by government in making its economic and political decisions is outdated. This calls for a new one.
Nigeria’s President, who is also the leader of the All Progressives Congress amid the surge in COVID-19 pandemic and the leadership of the APC should heed to voice of reason and suspend the registration exercise, bearing in mind that the registration centres nationwide would be crowded with people who stand the risk of contacting the dreaded virus.
It might be a constitutional party exercise, but the timing is wrong and questionable. Besides, shouldn’t we also consider a National Population Census at this point?
