Two prominent Civil Society Organizations have separately 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 professor to contest the Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general elections.
The petitions, dated May 7, 2026, were filed by the Centre for Policy Advocacy and Leadership Development and the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa. Both organizations raised identical concerns about Prof. Princewill Woyinbrakemi Igbagara, an indigene of Isoni Community in Sagbama Local Government Area.
Dual Public Office Holdings
The groups argued that Igbagara simultaneously holds the position of professor and lecturer at the Federal University, Otuoke, while also serving as Special Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Science and Technology. They noted that he held both roles concurrently as recently as April 20, 2026.
According to the petitioners, this dual occupation of remunerated public offices violates established public service regulations and ethical guidelines governing conflict of interest and double remuneration from public funds.
Constitutional Provisions Cited
The organizations cited Section 66(1)(f) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, which states that no person shall be qualified for election to the Senate or the House of Representatives if employed in the public service of the Federation or any State and has not resigned, withdrawn, or retired from such employment at least thirty days before the election date.
PAACA, in its petition signed by Executive Director Ezenwa Nwagwu, described itself as a non-partisan organization committed to promoting electoral integrity, democratic accountability, good governance, and compliance with Nigeria's constitutional and electoral framework.
Concerns Over Abuse of Office
Nwagwu wrote: "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."
He added that the simultaneous occupation of these offices may constitute a violation of constitutional provisions relating to public officers seeking elective positions while retaining public employment or appointments.
"Maintaining both positions while pursuing political ambition raises concerns about abuse of office, unfair access to public resources, and the misuse of government institutions for political purposes," Nwagwu stated.
The petitions were copied to the APC National Chairman, the APC National Secretary, and the APC State Chairman in Bayelsa State.
