Nigeria’s Lower Chamber has officially outlawed dual party membership in a major update to the Electoral Act 2026.
The move aims to curb political cross-carpeting and double standards within the system.
The penalty for offenders is severe, carrying a potential N10 million penalty and up to two years in jail.
This development occurred as lawmakers voted on the matter during Wednesday’s plenary session monitored by Persecondnews.
The update specifically inserts three brand new subsections into Section 77 of the Act, the section responsible for regulating political party memberships.
The revised legislation makes it clear that dual registration is prohibited. “A person shall not be registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time,” it stated.
Furthermore, upon discovery of such multiple affiliations, “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 clause also declares that “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 N10,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of two years, or both.”
Should the amendment receive presidential assent, it is projected to fortify the country’s regulations on political affiliations and effectively reduce incidents of individuals maintaining ties with several parties at once.
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