package python3-apt 1.6.1 failed to install/upgrade: package is in a very bad inconsistent state; you should reinstall it before attempting configuration

[valdomiro de freitas sampaio]

I was trying to install virtualbox then I received a message that I needed to run dpkg manually and then it reported the the python3-apt was in error

ProblemType: Package
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 18.04
Package: python3-apt 1.6.1
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 4.15.0-20.21-generic 4.15.17
Uname: Linux 4.15.0-20-generic x86_64
NonfreeKernelModules: kpatch_livepatch_Ubuntu_4_15_0_20_21_generic_40
ApportVersion: 2.20.9-0ubuntu7
Architecture: amd64
Date: Tue Jul 3 18:01:23 2018
DuplicateSignature:
 package:python3-apt:1.6.1
 Setting up make (4.1-9.1ubuntu1) ...
 dpkg: error processing package python3-apt (--configure):
  package is in a very bad inconsistent state; you should
ErrorMessage: package is in a very bad inconsistent state; you should reinstall it before attempting configuration
InstallationDate: Installed on 2018-07-03 (0 days ago)
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 18.04 LTS "Bionic Beaver" - Release amd64 (20180426)
Python3Details: /usr/bin/python3.6, Python 3.6.5, python3-minimal, 3.6.5-3
PythonDetails: /root/Error: command ['which', 'python'] failed with exit code 1:, Error: [Errno 2] No such file or directory: "/root/Error: command ['which', 'python'] failed with exit code 1:": "/root/Error: command ['which', 'python'] failed with exit code 1:", unpackaged
RelatedPackageVersions:
 dpkg 1.19.0.5ubuntu2
 apt 1.6.1
SourcePackage: python-apt
Title: package python3-apt 1.6.1 failed to install/upgrade: package is in a very bad inconsistent state; you should reinstall it before attempting configuration
UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)

[Julian Andres Klode (juliank)]

PackageKit should not have attempted to do stuff in that situation I think

[Launchpad Janitor (janitor)]

Status changed to 'Confirmed' because the bug affects multiple users.