TDThe National Democratic Reform Alliance (NDRA) had raised concerns over alleged dual party membership involving legal practitioner Reuben Egwuaba.
NDRA claimed that Egwuaba has simultaneous roles in the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), which violate provisions of the Electoral Act.
The allegation, widely circulated online, suggested potential legal implications for both Egwuaba and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to NDRA, Egwuaba’s continued listing as National Legal Adviser of APM while serving in the same capacity for NDC amounts to dual party membership.
The group argued that such overlap contravenes Nigeria’s electoral laws.
The law prohibits individuals from holding executive positions in more than one political party.
NDC’s Response
The NDC swiftly dismissed the allegations, clarifying that Egwuaba had formally resigned from APM in December 2025.
The party stated that the resignation was duly communicated to APM leadership and acknowledged in official correspondence.
NDC emphasized that there is “no discrepancy of membership or legal issues.
The party, rather, attributed the confusion to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failing to update APM’s records on its website.
“Our National Legal Adviser resigned from the APM since last year.
“INEC just forgot to update APM’s details on their website,” the party wrote in a statement.
It also attached Egwuaba’s resignation letters to the APM National and Ward chairmen as evidence.
Supporting Documents by Egwuaba
Attached to NDC’s statement were copies of Egwuaba’s resignation letters:
- A letter dated December 4, 2025, addressed to the APM National Chairman, announcing his resignation as National Legal Adviser effective December 10, 2025.
- A second letter dated December 5, 2025, addressed to the APM Ward Chairman in Ibaji LGA, Kogi State, formally resigning his membership from the party.
Both letters expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve and confirmed his departure from APM.
Electoral Act Context
Nigeria’s Electoral Act prohibits dual party membership and stipulates that individuals must resign from one party before assuming roles in another.
Legal experts note that NDRA’s concerns highlight the importance of compliance.
Meanwhile, the existence of formal resignation letters significantly weakens the allegation.
Analysts argue that INEC’s delay in updating party records often fuels confusion, stressing the need for timely and transparent updates to avoid unnecessary disputes.
Implications INEC, Egwuaba, APM, & NDC
The controversy underscores broader challenges in Nigeria’s political system:
- For INEC: The Commission faces renewed pressure to maintain accurate and up-to-date party records.
- For Political Parties: Allegations of dual membership can damage credibility if not swiftly addressed.
- For Legal Practitioners: The case highlights the importance of clear documentation and communication when transitioning between party roles.
Outlook
As the 2027 general elections approach, the incident serves as a reminder of the critical role of transparency and record-keeping in Nigeria’s democratic process. While NDRA’s alarm has sparked debate, NDC’s evidence-backed response appears to have clarified the matter, shifting attention to INEC’s responsibility in updating party records.
