Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Wednesday amended Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026 to criminalise dual membership of political parties, prescribing penalties of up to two years in prison, a ₦10 million fine, or both for offenders.

The amendment was passed during a plenary session, following first, second, and third readings, with lawmakers emphasising that the move is aimed at strengthening political party discipline, curbing unethical practices, and ensuring transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s political system.

During the session of the Committee of the Whole, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, lawmakers inserted three new clauses — 8, 9, and 10 into Section 77 after a heated debate:

  • Clause 8: “A person shall not be registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time.”
  • Clause 9: “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.”
  • Clause 10: “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.”

Under the updated provision, any party member found to hold multiple memberships will have their membership voided until properly regularised under party rules.

The House highlighted that the amendment is intended to deter politicians from holding membership in multiple parties, strengthen democratic processes, and maintain integrity within party structures ahead of future elections. Lawmakers said the measure would ensure that political party affiliations remain clear and legally enforceable.

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