ABUJA, NIGERIA– A civil society organization has alleged that a senior official is serving as National Legal Adviser for two separate political parties simultaneously – a potential violation of Nigeria’s Electoral Act.
The Nigeria Democratic Rights Advocacy (NDRA) said in a statement Sunday that records show Barrister Reuben Egwuaba is listed as National Legal Adviser for both the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), with one of the entries reportedly validated “by court order.”
The group’s General Secretary, Julius Aondowase, described the development as “disturbing inconsistencies” in official party documentation.
What the law says
Under Nigeria’s amended Electoral Act, particularly modifications to Section 77, dual party membership is expressly prohibited. The law prescribes a fine of up to ₦10 million (approximately $6,500) and/or a prison term of up to two years for anyone found guilty.
NDRA stressed that the role of National Legal Adviser is central to party administration, requiring full and exclusive membership of that party.
“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,” the group said.
Calls for investigation
The advocacy group urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other regulatory authorities to investigate the matter.
“If these records are accurate, then this is a clear violation of the law. If they are not, then the public deserves an immediate correction,” the statement read.Political observers note that the allegations, if substantiated, could have far-reaching consequences for party discipline and regulatory oversight, particularly as Nigeria’s political parties ramp up preparations for the 2027 elections.
Neither the APM, the NDC, nor Barrister Egwuaba had issued a response as of Monday morning. CNN has reached out for comment.
