Two civil society organizations have petitioned the All Progressives Congress, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over the eligibility of a Bayelsa-based academic contesting a federal constituency seat. The groups alleged that the aspirant held dual public positions in a federal university and as a state government adviser. They cited constitutional provisions requiring public officers to resign before contesting elections and called for urgent regulatory scrutiny.
Allegations of Dual Public Appointments
The Centre for Policy Advocacy and Leadership Development and the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa submitted separate petitions to INEC, ICPC, and APC. Both groups raised similar concerns about the eligibility of Princewill Woyinbrakemi Igbagara, who is seeking the APC ticket for the Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 elections. They alleged that Igbagara, from Isoni community in Sagbama Local Government Area, simultaneously held two public roles: his position as a lecturer at the Federal University Otuoke and his appointment as Special Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Science and Technology. According to the petitioners, both roles were reportedly held at the same time as recently as April 2026. They argued that such an arrangement may breach public service regulations that prohibit dual remuneration from government funds and create a potential conflict of interest.
Constitutional Concerns Raised by CSOs
The groups referenced Section 66(1)(f) of the 1999 Constitution, which bars individuals in public service from contesting legislative positions unless they resign at least 30 days before the election date. PAACA, in a petition signed by its Executive Director Ezenwa Nwagwu, stated that the matter raised serious ethical and legal concerns requiring urgent attention from electoral and anti-corruption bodies. The organization stated that holding dual remunerated public offices, one at a federal institution and another as a political appointee, contravenes established public service regulations and ethical guidelines governing conflict of interest and double remuneration from public funds. It further warned that retaining both positions while pursuing political ambition could undermine public trust and open room for abuse of office.
Calls for Investigation and Compliance
The petition urged authorities to ensure strict adherence to constitutional provisions governing eligibility for elective office. It called for immediate scrutiny of the aspirant's current roles to determine compliance with electoral laws. Nwagwu wrote that they trust the office will treat this matter with the urgency it deserves in the interests of the party and in upholding the rule of law, transparency, and democratic integrity. Copies of the petitions were also sent to the APC national leadership, including the party's national chairman and national secretary, as well as its Bayelsa State chapter. The development adds to growing scrutiny around candidate eligibility within political parties as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
