Lawmakers, Opposition at Odds Over Sanctions for Dual Party Membership

A recent change to the Electoral Act 2026 that stipulates a fine of ₦10 million or two years in prison for anyone who belong to multiple political parties has sparked heated discussion throughout Nigerian politics.

The contentious idea, which was approved by the House of Representatives, has reportedly caused division among members and garnered harsh condemnation from analysts and opposition figures who caution that it may jeopardize constitutional rights and damage the legitimacy of the general elections in 2027.

The revision was made just one month after President Bola Tinubu signed the Electoral Act 2026 into law.

The House scaled first and second readings, committee stage, and third reading in a single legislative process before considering and approving the new amendment during plenary.

In Section 77 of the Act, which addresses political party membership, the draft adds three additional provisions.

The plan, which is being supported by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, aims to make dual party membership illegal and punish offenders severely.

According to reports, anyone discovered to be a member of multiple political parties concurrently faces harsh penalties under the legislation.

According to the bill, “a person shall not be registered as a member of more than one political party at one time.”

Additionally, it states that dual membership “shall be void and the person shall cease to be recognized as a valid member of any political party pending regularization” in such cases.

“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 legislation further criminalizes the practice.

Lawmakers’ Divisions
Members of the House were instantly divided over the proposal; some supported it while others had constitutional and legal objections.

Jonathan Gaza, the chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, backed the change, claiming that it would be dishonest and misleading for someone to be a member of two political parties at the same time.

Abubakar Fulata, the chairman of the House Committee on University Education, cautioned that the idea would go against the freedom of association guaranteed by Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

He stated, “It appears that this proposed amendment violates Section 40 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution, as amended, which guarantees the freedom of association at any time.”

“I believe we should suggest that you be restricted to just one party rather than prohibiting you from joining two. It is against his rights to be prevented from participating in all political parties.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the meeting, insisted that dual party membership amounts to “fraudulent misrepresentation,” defending the bill’s objective.

Instead of enrolling on several platforms, he argued that people should support political parties that share their ideological views.

The amendment, according to political observers, raises new questions about whether the federal government led by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is prepared to guarantee fair competition before the 2027 elections, according to Daily Post.

They caution that any perceived restriction could have the opposite impact and maintain that a fair and competitive political atmosphere is still a necessary requirement for free, fair, and credible elections.

Proposal Rejected by Opposition
The amendment has drawn harsh criticism from the opposition, especially from the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Adewole Adebayo, the party’s head and 2023 presidential contender, called the bill an assault on democratic liberties and unconstitutional.

Punishing someone for joining a political party is unconstitutional. He stated, “You cannot enact laws prohibiting someone from joining three political parties if they so choose.

Election regulations, according to Adebayo, do not forbid membership in several political associations, even though they mandate that candidates be supported by a single political party during elections.

The SDP leader went on to accuse lawmakers of promoting partisan agendas over democratic ideals.

“One person is the target of their legislation. “What they are doing is legislative lynching,” he stated, claiming that the action is intended to protect the APC and President Tinubu’s administration from internal unrest.

Experts Connect Bill To Defections’ Fear
Maarcellus Onah, a lawyer and public affairs commentator, connected the modification to the ruling party’s mounting worries about potential defections.

He maintained that political realignments might be sparked by deteriorating economic conditions, instability, and a decline in popular trust in government.

“So, if political conditions worsen, the proposed legislation is meant to prevent politicians within the ruling party from abandoning it,” he stated.

Onah also attacked the National Assembly, claiming that it had failed to uphold its constitutional obligation to hold the executive branch responsible.

He declared, “The National Assembly is the enabler of many of the problems we complain about. Instead of rising to that important constitutional role, they simply chose to approve whatever is sent to them.”

He further claimed that some lawmakers who supported the measure had previously changed political parties.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), which presently controls more than 30 states and has a majority in both chambers of the National Assembly, has dominated the debate, raising doubts about the necessity of the modification.

In response, Adebayo maintained that public support is not always reflected in political dominance.

“The people are not satisfied with you just because you captured the governors,” he declared.

“The people will make the final decision.”