Nigerian Lawmakers Move to Criminalize Dual Party Membership

The House of Representatives has moved to tighten the reins on political affiliation by amending the Electoral Act 2026. The new legislative update introduces a strict ban on individuals holding membership in more than one political party simultaneously. Under the proposed changes, violators could face a significant fine of N10 million, a prison sentence of up to two years, or both.

The amendment adds three new subsections to Section 77 of the existing Act. This section serves as the primary legal framework for party registration. The core of the new provision is straightforward: any individual found to be registered with multiple parties will see those memberships declared invalid immediately. Such individuals will lose their standing in all parties until they regularize their status according to the law and party constitutions.

Beyond administrative invalidation, the law now targets intentional misconduct. Any person who knowingly maintains dual membership is committing a criminal offense. This shift from administrative oversight to criminal prosecution marks a significant escalation in how Nigeria regulates political behavior.

Currently, while the law expects citizens to belong to only one party, enforcement has lacked teeth. Critics and lawmakers alike have noted that the absence of criminal sanctions allowed some politicians to exploit loopholes. This practice of maintaining parallel affiliations has frequently led to internal crises within major organizations like the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party. Such disputes often boil over during primary elections and candidate nominations, weakening the overall integrity of the electoral system.

Supporters of the bill believe these penalties are essential for fostering party discipline. By cleaning up party registers and ensuring singular loyalty, the amendment aims to support the Independent National Electoral Commission in overseeing a more transparent and stable democratic process. If signed into law, this measure will fundamentally change the legal consequences for political maneuvering in Nigeria.