The All Progressives Congress in Bayelsa State has registered more than 500 non-governmental organisations and support groups as part of efforts to strengthen its grassroots structure ahead of future electoral contests.

The party’s state Youth Leader, Abi Morris, disclosed this while receiving the leadership of the Bayelsa APC Grassroots Forum at the party’s secretariat in Yenagoa on Friday.

Morris said the ongoing online enumeration of affiliated groups was a strategic move to formally integrate support organisations into the party’s activities and build a reliable database for better coordination and engagement.

He said, “So far, over 500 support groups have been registered. We commend those that have participated in the exercise and encourage those yet to register to take advantage of the opportunity before the July 31 deadline.”

According to him, the registration process was designed to promote inclusiveness and strengthen the party’s internal structure.

“The exercise is free, transparent and designed to strengthen the APC’s inclusive and participatory structure. A united and well-organised support base is critical to achieving the party’s objectives and advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.

The youth leader urged eligible organisations across the state that were yet to register to complete the process before the deadline.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Bayelsa APC Grassroots Forum, Deme Ataribo Ayawari, said the initiative would provide support groups with a stronger platform to participate in party affairs and contribute to its growth.

Ayawari said, “The registration exercise provides committed support groups with a platform to participate more actively in party affairs and contribute meaningfully to the growth and success of the APC.”

The forum’s Bayelsa East Senatorial Director, George Sibi Matthew, also praised the party leadership for its efforts toward repositioning the APC for unity and future electoral successes.

The forum reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots mobilisation across Bayelsa and pledged to work with the Office of the State Youth Leader to boost support for President Bola Tinubu and APC candidates in future elections.

The registration of support groups comes as Nigerian political parties increasingly rely on grassroots structures, youth networks and community-based organisations to drive campaigns, improve voter engagement and build stronger party structures ahead of upcoming elections.