A civil society coalition, the Nigeria Democratic Rights Advocacy (NDRA), has raised concerns over an alleged violation of the revised Electoral Act, which prohibits individuals from holding membership in more than one political party at the same time.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja and signed by its General Secretary, Julius Aondowase, the group said it had discovered inconsistencies in official party records showing Barr. Reuben Egwuaba as National Legal Adviser in both the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). One of the listings reportedly indicates his appointment was made “by court order.”
The coalition described the situation as more than a clerical error, calling it a serious legal contradiction with significant implications.
It cited the amended Section 77 of the Electoral Act, which explicitly forbids dual political party membership and prescribes penalties of up to ₦10 million fine, two years imprisonment, or both for offenders.
According to the group, the office of National Legal Adviser is a key position within a party’s National Executive Committee and requires exclusive membership. Holding the same position in two different political parties, it argued, raises strong evidence of dual affiliation and possible legal breach.
NDRA urged all involved parties to clarify the situation, stating that if the records are accurate, a violation has occurred, and if not, an immediate correction should be issued to explain the discrepancy.
The group also called on electoral authorities to investigate the matter promptly, insisting that political parties must not allow contradictions that undermine the rule of law.
“Nigeria’s democracy must be guided by rules, not convenience,” the statement added.
INEC Reaction
When contacted, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) responded through its Deputy Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Wilfred Ifogah.
He stated that the lawyer in question had reportedly resigned from the APM and is now a member of the NDC.
Ifogah explained that the inconsistency may be due to APM’s failure to formally notify the commission of the resignation, adding that necessary updates would be made to reflect the correct status.
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