The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) are grappling with a potential internal crisis following allegations that their National Legal Adviser, Reuben Egwuaba, holds membership in both opposition parties simultaneously.
Documents obtained over the weekend indicate that Egwuaba is listed in the same position in both parties’ records submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), raising concerns about a possible breach of Nigeria’s electoral laws.
Verification on INEC’s official platform reportedly confirms his dual listing, a development that electoral reform advocates say contradicts provisions of the amended Electoral Act, which prohibits membership in more than one political party at a time.
Reacting to the situation, activist Julius Aondowase described the issue as more than an administrative error, warning of serious legal consequences.
He stressed that under the revised law, particularly Section 77, dual party membership is expressly forbidden, carrying penalties of up to ₦10 million in fines or a prison term of up to two years.
Aondowase further noted that the role of National Legal Adviser is a key position within a party’s National Executive Committee, requiring full and exclusive allegiance, making the alleged dual role both politically inappropriate and potentially criminal.
He called for an immediate investigation by relevant authorities, urging transparency and accountability. According to him, if the records are accurate, they represent a clear legal violation; if not, the public deserves a prompt explanation for the discrepancy.
The controversy comes amid recent political shifts, including the defection of former governors Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to the NDC, further intensifying attention on the party’s internal affairs.
