House of Reps Amend Electoral Act, to Criminalise Dual Party Membership
The House of Representatives has amended the 2026 Electoral Act, introducing provisions that prohibit individuals from holding membership in more than one political party at the same time. This legislative move comes just weeks after President Bola Tinubu assented to the Act, amid concerns about politicians allegedly maintaining ties with multiple parties.
The amendment adds three new subsections to Section 77 of the Act, expressly declaring that any person registered in more than one political party simultaneously shall have such memberships voided.
Under the new framework, dual party membership constitutes an offence punishable upon conviction by a fine of ₦10 million, a maximum prison term of two years, or both.
The amended section provides:
– No person shall be registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time.
– Where dual membership is established, such registration shall be invalid, and the individual shall cease to be recognised as a member of any political party until regularisation in line with the Act and the party’s constitution.
– Any person who knowingly registers or maintains membership in more than one political party commits an offence and is liable to the prescribed penalties.
This amendment underscores the legislature’s intent to strengthen party discipline and ensure clarity in political affiliation, while also deterring fraudulent or opportunistic practices within Nigeria’s democratic process.
