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The House of Representatives on Wednesday amended the Electoral Act 2026 to bar individuals from holding membership in more than one political party at the same time.
Under the proposed amendment, anyone found guilty of belonging to multiple political parties simultaneously could face a fine of N10 million, a prison term of up to two years, or both. The amendment introduces three new subsections to Section 77 of the Act, which addresses political party membership.
Under the provision, individuals may not be registered as members of more than one political party at any given time. It further states that if a person is discovered to be registered with multiple parties simultaneously, such memberships would be declared invalid.
The provision also states that the individual would no longer be recognised as a valid member of any political party until the situation is regularised in accordance with the Electoral Act and the constitution of the affected party.
“A person shall not be registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time,” the provision reads.
“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.
“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 N10m or to imprisonment for a term of two years, or both.”
If eventually signed into law, the amendment is expected to strengthen the legal framework governing party affiliation and introduce criminal sanctions for violations relating to party membership.
The move comes as concerns rise about allegations that some politicians maintain links with multiple political parties, a practice critics say undermines party discipline and weakens the electoral system.
Although existing rules already require citizens to belong to only one political party, enforcement has largely remained administrative, with few legal consequences for violations. Lawmakers backing the amendment argue that the lack of clear criminal penalties has allowed some politicians to exploit loopholes.
The issue has gained increased attention in recent years due to frequent political defections and disputes over party membership registers, particularly during primary elections and candidate nominations.
Observers have also linked the challenge to internal disputes within major parties such as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party, where allegations occasionally surface that some individuals maintain parallel affiliations to influence party processes or safeguard political interests.
Supporters of the amendment believe stricter penalties for dual party membership would strengthen party discipline, improve transparency in party registers and enhance the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process overseen by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
