A civil society organisation, Nigeria Democratic Rights Advocacy, has raised concerns over an alleged violation of provisions of the Electoral Act prohibiting dual membership of political parties.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the group alleged that official records of the Allied Peoples Movement and the Nigeria Democratic Congress listed Barrister Reuben Egwuaba as National Legal Adviser in both parties.

According to the group, one of the listings was reportedly entered “by court order,” a development it described as a serious legal contradiction with far-reaching implications.

The statement, signed by the group’s General Secretary, Julius Aondowase, argued that the matter goes beyond a mere clerical error and raises questions about compliance with the amended Electoral Act.

“By virtue of the amended electoral provisions—particularly the modification of Section 77—belonging to more than one political party at the same time is expressly prohibited,” the statement said.

The group noted that the law prescribes penalties, including a fine of up to ₦10 million or imprisonment for up to two years, for individuals found guilty of dual party membership.

According to the statement, the office of National Legal Adviser is a key position within a party’s National Executive Committee and requires exclusive membership of the political party concerned.

“The position of National Legal Adviser is not symbolic; it is a core office within a party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which requires full and exclusive membership of that party,” the group stated.

“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.”

The organisation called for immediate clarification from the parties and the individual involved, insisting that the public deserves transparency if the records are inaccurate.

“If these records are accurate, then this is a clear violation of the law. If they are not, then the public deserves an immediate correction and explanation as to how such conflicting information came to be officially documented,” the statement added.

The group further urged relevant authorities, including electoral regulators, to investigate the matter and take appropriate action in line with the law.


“Political parties must not become safe havens for legal contradictions. The rule of law must be upheld without exception,” the statement said.

“Nigeria’s democracy must be governed by rules—not convenience.”