Group Calls for Investigation into INEC Listing of Egwuaba as Legal Adviser to Two Parties, NDC and APM

A civil society group, Nigeria Democratic Rights Advocacy (NDRA), has called for an investigation into the listing of a legal practitioner as a key official in two separate political parties on the records of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement issued on Sunday, the group said it identified inconsistencies in party records published by INEC, describing them as “disturbing.” The group pointed to the listing of Reuben Egwuaba as National Legal Adviser to both the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). One of the entries, it noted, was marked “by court order.”

The statement, signed by NDRA General Secretary Julius Aondowase, argued that the issue raises legal concerns rather than being a simple administrative error.

According to the group, the situation may conflict with provisions of Nigeria’s amended Electoral Act, which bars individuals from belonging to more than one political party at the same time. It said the role of National Legal Adviser is a core executive position within a party, requiring exclusive membership.

NDRA said that if the records are accurate, the development could amount to a violation of the law. It added that if the entries are incorrect, INEC and the affected parties should provide clarification and correct the records.

The group called on electoral authorities to investigate the matter and take action where necessary, stressing the importance of maintaining compliance with electoral laws.