A civil society organization, Nigeria Democratic Rights Advocacy (NDRA), has raised concerns over an alleged violation of the revised Electoral Act prohibiting dual membership of political parties. In a statement issued on Sunday, the group said its attention was drawn to “disturbing inconsistencies” in official party records listing Barrister Reuben Egwuaba as National Legal Adviser in both the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), with one of the listings reportedly backed “by court order.”
Legal and Constitutional Concerns
The statement, signed by the group’s General Secretary, Julius Aondowase, described the situation as more than a clerical error, warning that it poses serious legal and constitutional concerns. “This is not a clerical oversight; it is a serious legal contradiction with far-reaching implications,” the statement said. Citing provisions of the amended Electoral Act, particularly Section 77, NDRA noted that membership of more than one political party at the same time is expressly prohibited.
Potential Criminal Offence
“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 group stated. It further emphasized that the position of National Legal Adviser is a key office within a party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), requiring full and exclusive membership. “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 statement added.
Call for Urgent Clarification
NDRA called for urgent clarification from all parties involved, stressing that the matter must not be ignored. “If these records are accurate, then this is a clear violation of the law. If they are not, the public deserves an immediate correction and a full explanation as to how such conflicting information came to be officially documented,” the group said. The organization also urged relevant authorities, including electoral regulators, to investigate the issue without delay and take appropriate action.
“Political parties must not become safe havens for legal contradictions. The rule of law must be upheld without exception,” it stated. The group added that Nigeria’s democracy must be guided by established rules rather than political convenience.
