Reps amend Electoral Act, prescribe N10m fine, two-year jail term for dual party membership

The House of Representatives has amended the Electoral Act 2026 to criminalise dual membership of political parties, introducing fines and jail terms for offenders.

Under the new provision, individuals registered as members of more than one political party at the same time will have such memberships automatically voided. Offenders face a fine of N10 million, up to two years in prison, or both.

The amendment, passed during Wednesday’s plenary, adds three new subsections to Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026, which governs political party membership and registration.

“No individual shall be registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time,” the new provision reads. It further provides that anyone found in breach will cease to be recognised as a valid member of any political party until the situation is regularised in accordance with the law and the constitution of the party concerned.

Lawmakers emphasised that the amendment is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral legal framework, promoting party discipline, and curbing practices that undermine the integrity of the political system.

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

If signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, the amendment is expected to provide clearer legal consequences for multiple party membership and reinforce compliance with existing rules on party affiliation.