Two prominent Civil Society Organizations have filed separate petitions challenging the eligibility of Professor Princewill Woyinbrakemi Igbagara to contest the Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. The petitions, submitted on May 7, 2026, were filed with the APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The groups, Centre for Policy Advocacy and Leadership Development and the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), argue that Igbagara’s concurrent roles as a professor and lecturer at the Federal University, Otuoke, and as Special Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Science and Technology violate public service ethics and constitutional provisions.
Igbagara, an indigene of Isoni Community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, held both positions as recently as April 20, 2026. The CSOs assert that this dual appointment constitutes a breach of regulations against double remuneration from public funds and creates a conflict of interest. They point to Section 66(1)(f) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which bars any person employed in the public service from being eligible for election unless they have resigned, withdrawn, or retired from such employment at least thirty days before the election date.
PAACA, led by Executive Director Ezenwa Nwagwu, described itself as a non-partisan body dedicated to promoting electoral integrity, democratic accountability, and good governance. The organization emphasized that it is acting in accordance with its mandate to ensure all political aspirants meet legal and ethical standards. In its petition, PAACA stated that holding two remunerated public offices simultaneously undermines public trust and may lead to the abuse of office, unfair access to public resources, and the misuse of government institutions for political gain.
The CSOs urged the APC, INEC, and ICPC to treat the matter with urgency to uphold the rule of law, transparency, and democratic integrity. They stressed that allowing Igbagara to remain on the ballot without addressing the constitutional and ethical concerns could set a dangerous precedent for future elections. The petitions highlight growing scrutiny over the conduct of political aspirants and the need for strict adherence to Nigeria’s electoral and public service laws.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, this case underscores the importance of accountability and compliance with constitutional requirements in the political process. The outcome of these petitions may influence how political parties and electoral bodies evaluate candidates’ eligibility in the months ahead.
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