Two civil society organisations have petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over the eligibility of a Bayelsa-based academic, Prof. Princewill Woyinbrakemi Igbagara, to contest the Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The groups also called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to investigate allegations that the aspirant is simultaneously occupying two remunerated public offices.
The petitions, dated May 7, 2026, were separately submitted by the Centre for Policy Advocacy and Leadership Development and the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa.
The organisations alleged that Igbagara currently serves as a professor at the Federal University, Otuoke, while also holding office as Special Adviser on Science and Technology to the Bayelsa State Governor.
According to the petitioners, the alleged dual appointments contravene public service regulations and constitutional provisions guiding public office holders seeking elective positions.
The groups further claimed that Igbagara, an indigene of Isoni Community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, remained in both offices as of April 20, 2026, while pursuing his political ambition under the APC platform.
They argued that the situation raises concerns over conflict of interest, double remuneration from public funds, and possible abuse of office.
Citing Section 66(1)(f) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the petitioners maintained that any public servant seeking election into the National Assembly must resign, withdraw or retire from public service at least 30 days before the election.
In a petition signed by its Executive Director, Ezenwa Nwagwu, PAACA said the organisation acted in line with its commitment to promoting electoral integrity, democratic accountability and constitutional compliance.
The group stated that the simultaneous occupation of the two offices allegedly violated ethical guidelines regulating conflict of interest and double earnings from public funds.
Part of the petition read, “Holding dual remunerated public offices, one at a federal institution and another as a political appointee, contravenes established public service regulations and ethical guidelines governing conflict of interest and double remuneration from public funds.
“The simultaneous occupation of these offices may constitute a violation of constitutional provisions relating to public officers seeking elective positions while retaining public employment or appointments.
“Maintaining both positions while pursuing political ambition raises concerns about abuse of office, unfair access to public resources, and the misuse of government institutions for political purposes.”
The organisations urged the ICPC, INEC and the APC leadership to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure compliance with constitutional and ethical standards.
Copies of the petitions were also forwarded to the APC National Chairman, National Secretary and the party’s Bayelsa State Chairman.
