May 9, 2026
By SUNTV Global Channel News Desk
Fresh controversy has erupted within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State as two civil society organisations called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the APC leadership to investigate a governorship aspirant accused of simultaneously holding two public offices.
The groups alleged that Professor Princewill Woyinbrakemi Igbagara, a Bayelsa-based academic and APC aspirant for the Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections, is occupying two remunerated public positions in violation of constitutional and public service regulations.
According to petitions submitted on May 7, 2026, by the Centre for Policy Advocacy and Leadership Development and the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), Igbagara currently serves as a professor at the Federal University, Otuoke, while also functioning as Special Adviser on Science and Technology to the Bayelsa State Governor.
The organisations argued that the alleged dual appointment raises serious concerns about conflict of interest, double remuneration from public funds, and possible abuse of office.
The petitioners further claimed that the academic-turned-politician has maintained both positions while pursuing his political ambition under the APC platform.
Citing Section 66(1)(f) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the groups stressed that public servants seeking elective office are required to resign, retire, or withdraw from public employment at least 30 days before contesting elections.
In a petition signed by its Executive Director, Ezenwa Nwagwu, PAACA stated that the simultaneous occupation of both offices violates ethical standards guiding public service conduct in Nigeria.
“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 petition read in part.
The organisation also warned that the situation could undermine electoral integrity and create unfair political advantages through the use of public resources.
The civil society groups have now urged the ICPC, INEC, and the APC leadership to urgently investigate the allegations and ensure strict compliance with constitutional provisions ahead of the 2027 elections.
Copies of the petitions were reportedly forwarded to the APC National Chairman, National Secretary, and the party’s Bayelsa State Chairman.
As of the time of filing this report, Professor Igbagara had not publicly reacted to the allegations.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that the development is already generating political debate within Bayelsa State as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
