House passes Electoral Act amendment introducing fines and jail terms for dual party membership to strengthen political party integrity

The House of Representatives has approved a fresh amendment to the Electoral Act 2026, introducing penalties for individuals found to be members of more than one political party simultaneously.

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The amendment, sponsored by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, passed through first and second readings, committee consideration, and a third reading at plenary on Wednesday. It adds three new clauses to Section 77, which governs political party membership.

Under the legislation, anyone convicted of dual party membership faces a fine of N10 million, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Membership in multiple parties will also be rendered void until regularised.

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

“Where it is established that a person is registered as a member of more than one political party, such dual membership shall be void, and the person shall cease to be recognised as a valid member of any political party pending regularisation.”

The bill sparked mixed reactions among lawmakers. Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Jonathan Gaza, supported the amendment, describing dual party registration as “mischievous.”

However, Chairman of the House Committee on University Education, Abubakar Fulata, raised constitutional concerns. He argued that the amendment may conflict with Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association.

“Denying a person the freedom to associate with all political parties to which they might belong could contravene Section 40 of the Constitution,” Fulata said.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary, noted that individuals should align with a party reflecting their ideologies rather than registering in multiple parties.

He described dual membership as “fraudulent misrepresentation.”

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The amendment is seen as part of efforts to strengthen political party integrity and enforce accountability within Nigeria’s multiparty system.