Coalition Demands INEC Probe into Alleged Dual Party Membership

A coalition of civil society groups, under the banner of the Nigeria Democratic Rights Advocacy (NDRA), has sounded the alarm over a potential breach of Nigeria's electoral laws. The group has formally called for an investigation into the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) concerning Barr. Reuben Egwuaba, who is reportedly listed as the National Legal Adviser for both parties simultaneously. This situation, the NDRA argues, directly contravenes the revised Electoral Act, which strictly prohibits an individual from belonging to more than one political party at the same time.

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By virtue of the amended electoral provisions—particularly the modification of Section 77—belonging to more than one political party at the same time is expressly prohibited. The law is clear and uncompromising: any individual found guilty of dual party membership is liable to a fine of up to ₦10 million and/or a prison term of up to two years.

The NDRA emphasizes that the role of National Legal Adviser is a significant position within a party's National Executive Committee, requiring exclusive membership. They contend that holding this office in two different parties constitutes a serious legal contradiction and potentially a criminal offense, punishable by a fine of up to ₦10 million and/or a prison term of up to two years. The coalition stresses that political parties must not become sanctuaries for legal inconsistencies and that the rule of law must be upheld without exception, demanding urgent clarification and appropriate action from the electoral commission.

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The position of National Legal Adviser is not symbolic; it is a core office within a party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which requires full and exclusive membership of that party. Therefore, occupying this role in both the APM and NDC simultaneously is not only politically improper—it constitutes prima facie evidence of dual membership and a potential criminal offence under Nigerian law.

In response to the allegations, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has provided a preliminary statement. Wilfred Ifogah, Deputy Director of Voter Education and Publicity at INEC, indicated that their inquiry suggests Barr. Egwuaba has indeed resigned from the APM and is now solely a member of the NDC. Ifogah explained that the discrepancy in party records might stem from a delay in APM formally communicating Egwuaba's resignation to the commission. He assured that INEC would take the necessary steps to update its portal and ensure the records accurately reflect the lawyer's current party affiliation, thereby rectifying the situation.

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We therefore call on relevant authorities, including electoral regulators, to investigate this matter without delay and take appropriate action in line with the law. Nigeria’s democracy must be governed by rules—not convenience.