Dual Party Membership Scandal: NDC and APM Legal Adviser Faces Potential Jail Time Under Nigeria’s Electoral Act

The Nigerian political landscape is once again embroiled in controversy as Barr. Reuben Egwuaba, the National Legal Adviser for both the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), faces allegations of holding dual party membership—a direct violation of Nigeria’s amended Electoral Act. This development threatens to destabilize both opposition parties and raises serious questions about the integrity of party leadership records.

What Is Dual Party Membership and Why Does It Matter?

Under Nigeria’s revised Electoral Act, specifically Section 77, it is illegal for any individual to belong to more than one political party simultaneously. The law was designed to prevent conflicts of interest, ensure loyalty to a single party platform, and maintain transparency in political party governance. Dual membership undermines the democratic process by allowing individuals to influence multiple parties, potentially manipulating internal decisions or leaking sensitive information.

For context, consider a scenario where a legal adviser in Party A drafts a strategy to challenge Party B in court—but also holds a leadership role in Party B. That individual would have access to confidential information from both sides, creating an unfair advantage and eroding trust in the electoral system. This is precisely the kind of risk the law aims to eliminate.

The Allegations Against Barr. Reuben Egwuaba

According to documents reviewed by DAILY POST and verified through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) website (www.inecnigeria.org), Egwuaba is listed as the National Legal Adviser for both the NDC and the APM. This is not a minor clerical error; it is a formal record maintained by Nigeria’s electoral body. The position of National Legal Adviser is a core office within a party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), requiring full and exclusive membership. Holding this role in two parties simultaneously is a prima facie violation of the law.

Electoral reform advocate Julius Aondowase issued a statement on Sunday calling the situation a “serious legal contradiction with far-reaching implications.” He emphasized that the law is clear: any individual found guilty of dual party membership faces a fine of up to ₦10 million and/or a prison term of up to two years.

“The position of National Legal Adviser is not symbolic; it is a core office within a party’s NEC, which requires full and exclusive membership of that party. Therefore, 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,” Aondowase said.

Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Democracy

This scandal comes at a particularly sensitive time for the NDC, which recently welcomed high-profile defectors including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. The party is positioning itself as a major opposition force ahead of upcoming elections. However, a leadership crisis involving its National Legal Adviser could damage its credibility and distract from its political agenda.

For the APM, the situation is equally precarious. The party risks being seen as complicit in a legal violation, which could lead to sanctions from INEC or even deregistration if the matter is not resolved swiftly.

Beyond the two parties, this case highlights a systemic issue: how do such discrepancies appear in official INEC records in the first place? If the records are accurate, then Egwuaba has committed a criminal offence. If they are inaccurate, then INEC’s data management processes are flawed, potentially affecting the integrity of all party membership records nationwide.

What Should Happen Next?

Aondowase has called on electoral regulators and relevant authorities to investigate the matter without delay. He stressed that Nigeria’s democracy must be governed by rules, not convenience. The public deserves a clear explanation: either the records are corrected, or legal action is taken.

For political parties, this serves as a cautionary tale. They must conduct internal audits of their membership and leadership records to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act. Failure to do so could expose them to legal liability and public distrust.

Practical Steps for Voters and Observers

If you are a voter or a political observer, here’s what you can do:

• Verify party records: Visit the INEC website to check the official list of party officers for any party you support or follow.
• Report discrepancies: If you notice any individual listed in multiple parties, report it to INEC or a reputable civil society organization.
• Demand accountability: Ask party leaders to publicly clarify their membership policies and confirm that all officers are in compliance with the law.

Conclusion

The dual membership allegation against Barr. Reuben Egwuaba is more than a political scandal—it is a test of Nigeria’s commitment to rule of law in its electoral processes. Whether this results in a fine, imprisonment, or a simple correction of records, the outcome will set a precedent for how seriously the country treats violations of the Electoral Act. As the NDC and APM navigate this crisis, one thing is clear: in a democracy, no one is above the law.

All credit goes to the original article. For more information, read the Source link.