Nigeria’s electoral legal framework has been strengthened following a move by the House of Representatives of Nigeria to criminalise holding membership in more than one political party at the same time.
During plenary on Wednesday, lawmakers amended Section 77 of the recently assented Electoral Act 2026, prescribing stiff penalties including a two-year prison term, a fine of N10 million, or both for anyone found guilty of maintaining dual political party membership.
The amendment was adopted after extensive deliberations during the Committee of the Whole session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, where lawmakers debated the proposal before reaching a consensus.
Under the revised law, three new clauses — 8, 9 and 10 — have been introduced into Section 77 to eliminate the practice of politicians registering or retaining membership in multiple political parties simultaneously, a development that has frequently generated controversy in Nigeria’s political space.
Clause 8 clearly states that no individual shall be registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time.
Clause 9 provides that where a person is found to be registered with more than one party, such dual registration will automatically become invalid. The individual will cease to be recognised as a legitimate member of any political party until the irregularity is corrected in line with the provisions of the electoral law and the constitution of the affected party.
In addition to invalidating such memberships, lawmakers also introduced punitive measures to deter the practice.
Clause 10 stipulates that anyone who knowingly registers or maintains membership in more than one political party commits an offence and, upon conviction, will be liable to a N10 million fine, a two-year prison sentence, or both.
The amendment is widely viewed as part of ongoing efforts by the National Assembly of Nigeria to strengthen the country’s electoral system, curb political manipulation, and promote discipline within political parties.
