“INEC Urged to Investigate Alleged Dual Party Appointment of Lawyer in APM, NDC”

A civil society group, Nigeria Democratic Rights Advocacy (NDRA), has called for an investigation into alleged breaches of Nigeria’s Electoral Act over claims of dual party affiliation by a legal practitioner.

The group raised the alarm in a Sunday statement in Abuja, pointing to official records listing Barr. Reuben Egwuaba as National Legal Adviser for both the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), with one appointment reportedly stated to be under “court order.”

NDRA General-Secretary, Julius Aondowase, said the situation goes beyond administrative error and could constitute a legal violation.

“By virtue of the amended electoral provisions—particularly 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 statement read.

The group stressed that the office of National Legal Adviser is a sensitive executive position requiring exclusive loyalty to one party, warning that holding the role in two parties may amount to criminal liability.

“This situation demands urgent clarification from all parties involved… If these records are accurate, then this is a clear violation of the law,” NDRA added.

The coalition urged INEC and other relevant authorities to investigate and ensure accountability, insisting that political parties must not operate outside legal boundaries.

“Nigeria’s democracy must be governed by rules—not convenience,” it said.

INEC Reacts

Reacting, INEC Deputy Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Wilfred Ifogah, said Barr. Egwuaba had resigned from APM and was now with NDC.

“My inquiry revealed that he has already resigned from APM, which means he is of NDC,” he said.

He further noted that the issue may stem from delayed official communication.

“It’s likely APM has not formally communicated the commission. However, the needful will be done to update the portal,” he added.

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