NIGERIA’s electoral legal framework has been strengthened following a decisive move by the House of Representatives of Nigeria to criminalise the practice of holding membership in more than one political party at the same time.
News Point Nigeria reports that during plenary on Wednesday, the lawmakers amended Section 77 of the recently assented Electoral Act 2026, prescribing stiff penalties including a two-year jail term, a fine of N10 million, or both, for individuals found guilty of maintaining dual political party membership.
The amendment was adopted after intense deliberations during the Committee of the Whole session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, where lawmakers engaged in heated back-and-forth debates before eventually reaching a consensus on the proposed changes.
The amendment introduces three new clauses—8, 9, and 10—into Section 77 of the Act. These provisions aim to eliminate the practice of politicians registering or retaining membership in multiple political parties simultaneously, a development that has often generated controversy within Nigeria’s political landscape.
Under Clause (8) of the amended law, the provision clearly states that: “A person shall not be registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time.”
Clause (9) further provides that where an individual is discovered to be registered with more than one political party, such dual registration will automatically become invalid.
The clause specifies that once the violation is established, the person will cease to be recognised as a legitimate member of any political party until the irregularity is corrected in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the constitution of the political party concerned.
In addition to invalidating such memberships, the lawmakers also introduced punitive measures to deter the practice.
Clause (10) of the amendment stipulates that any individual who knowingly registers or maintains membership in more than one political party commits an offence under the law.
The provision states that offenders, upon conviction, will be liable to a fine of N10 million, a two-year term of imprisonment, or both penalties.
The new amendment is widely seen as part of ongoing efforts by the National Assembly to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system, curb political manipulation, and promote discipline within political parties.
