The House of Representatives has approved an amendment to the Electoral Act 2026 that criminalises dual membership of political parties, introducing stiff penalties for offenders.

The decision was taken during Wednesday’s plenary, where lawmakers agreed to modify the legal provisions guiding political party membership to enhance transparency in party administration and help electoral authorities maintain more accurate membership records across political parties in Nigeria.

With the amendment, individuals who register or maintain membership in more than one political party at the same time risk a fine of N10 million, a prison sentence of up to two years, or both upon conviction.

The amendment comes amid ongoing debates about party loyalty, defections and internal party discipline within Nigeria’s political system

It also introduces three additional subsections to Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026, which deals with the registration and regulation of political party members.

The section clearly prohibits Nigerians from belonging to multiple political parties simultaneously.

“A person shall not be registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time,” the provision reads.

The amendment further clarifies that any individual discovered to be listed in more than one political party register will automatically lose the validity of such memberships.

“Where it is established that a person is registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time, such dual membership shall be void, and the person shall cease to be recognised as a valid member of any political party pending regularisation in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the constitution of the political party concerned.”

The new provision also outlines sanctions for individuals who deliberately maintain dual party membership, classifying the act as a punishable offence under the law.

“A person who knowingly registers or maintains membership in more than one political party at the same time commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N10,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of two years, or both.”

The amendment is expected to address long-standing concerns about the integrity of party membership registers in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, over time, Nigerians, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and political parties have repeatedly raised issues about individuals appearing on the membership lists of multiple parties, particularly during primary elections and internal party contests.

By clearly outlawing the practice and attaching legal consequences to it, lawmakers say the amendment is aimed at strengthening discipline within political parties and ensuring clearer lines of political affiliation.

The development also comes amid broader efforts by the legislature to improve Nigeria’s electoral framework and prevent loopholes that could undermine democratic processes.

Benefits of the Electoral Act to Nigeria’s Electoral System 

Strengthening Party Discipline: The law would compel politicians and party members to maintain loyalty to a single political party. By eliminating the possibility of belonging to multiple parties at once, it reinforces party ideology, structure, and internal discipline.

Improving the Integrity of Party Membership Registers: Political parties would be required to maintain accurate and credible membership records. This would reduce manipulation of party registers, particularly during primaries, where inflated or questionable membership lists are sometimes used.

Reducing Electoral Manipulation During Primaries: Dual party membership can create confusion and unfair advantages during candidate selection processes. Criminalising the practice helps ensure that only legitimate party members participate in primaries, making the process more transparent and credible.

Promoting Political Accountability: The amendment makes individuals legally accountable for their political affiliation. By attaching penalties such as a N10 million fine or a two-year jail term, it discourages opportunistic political behaviour and strengthens responsibility among political actors.

Enhancing Electoral Transparency: Clear rules on party membership help election managers, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission, verify party registers more effectively and reduce disputes over membership status during elections.

Preventing Strategic Party Switching Before Elections: The law may discourage politicians from maintaining covert ties with multiple parties while waiting to see which platform offers better political opportunities.

Strengthening Democratic Processes: By ensuring that political actors are committed to one party structure at a time, the amendment could contribute to a more organised and credible party system, which is a key pillar of democratic governance.

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