- Lawmakers, Opposition Clash Over ₦10m Penalty For Dual Party Membership
- Opposition, analysts warned proposal may violate constitutional freedom
- Debate intensified amid concerns over 2027 elections and political defections
A fresh amendment to Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026 prescribing a ₦10 million fine or two years’ imprisonment for individuals holding membership in more than one political party has triggered sharp divisions across the country’s political space.
The proposal, passed by the House of Representatives, has drawn criticism from opposition figures and analysts who warn it could undermine constitutional rights and affect the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the amendment comes barely one month after the Electoral Act 2026 was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Lawmakers approved the new changes during plenary after the bill scaled first and second readings, committee stage, and third reading in a single process.
Sponsored by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, the bill introduces new clauses to Section 77 of the Act, seeking to criminalise dual party membership.
“A person shall not be registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time,” the bill stated.
It added that where dual membership is established, such membership “shall be void and the person shall cease to be recognised as a valid member of any political party pending regularisation.”
The legislation further provides: “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 million or imprisonment for a term of two years or both.”
The proposal divided lawmakers. Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Jonathan Gaza, backed the measure, saying it would be deceptive for individuals to belong to multiple parties.
However, Chairman of the House Committee on University Education, Abubakar Fulata, warned it could conflict with Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association.
“This proposed amendment seems to be in contravention of Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which guarantees the freedom of association at any time,” he said.
Presiding, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu defended the bill, describing dual membership as “fraudulent misrepresentation.”
Opposition figures, including Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party, rejected the proposal.
“It is unconstitutional to punish a person for joining political parties. You cannot legislate that someone cannot join three political parties if they want to,” he said.
Legal practitioner Maarcellus Onah linked the bill to fears of defections within the ruling All Progressives Congress, warning it could limit political freedom.
“They are legislating for one person. What they are doing is legislative lynching,” Adebayo added.
