Reps Amend Electoral Act, Propose ₦10m Fine, Jail For Dual Party Membership

The House of Representatives has amended the Electoral Act 2026 to criminalise dual membership of political parties, prescribing a fine of ₦10 million or a two-year prison sentence for offenders.

The lower legislative chamber approved the amendment during Wednesday’s plenary as part of efforts to strengthen regulations governing political party membership in the country.
The amendment introduces three additional subsections to Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026, which deals with political party membership.

Under the new provision, any individual found to be registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time will have such membership declared invalid.

The lawmakers also ruled that individuals involved in dual membership would lose recognition as members of any political party until their status is regularised.

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

The amended section further states that where it is established that an individual holds membership in more than one political party simultaneously, such membership will automatically be void.

It adds that the individual will cease to be recognised as a valid member of any political party until the issue is resolved in line with the provisions of the Act and the constitution of the affected political party.

“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,” the amendment states.

The amendment also provides criminal penalties for individuals who deliberately maintain membership in more than one political party.

According to the provision, such persons would face a fine of ₦10 million, a maximum prison sentence of two years, or both upon conviction.

“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 ₦10,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of two years, or both,” the law states.

If eventually signed into law, the amendment is expected to strengthen the legal framework regulating political party affiliation in Nigeria.