Nigeria’s House of Representatives has strengthened the country’s electoral rules by amending the Electoral Act 2026 to criminalise dual membership of political parties. The new law prescribes severe penalties, including a N10 million fine, up to two years’ imprisonment, or both, for offenders.
The amendment, passed during Wednesday’s plenary session, targets individuals registered with more than one political party, aiming to curb political opportunism and enforce stricter party affiliation compliance.
This legislative move follows the signing of the controversial Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026 into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The law has previously sparked nationwide debates and protests, particularly over provisions mandating the electronic transmission of election results.
In February, the Nigerian Senate approved the Electoral Act amendment after intense deliberations, with Clause 60—governing electronic transmission of results—drawing sharp contention. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South demanded a formal division on the clause, triggering a heated session and a brief closed-door meeting to resolve disputes.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele later proposed returning the bill to the Committee of the Whole to address concerns over the 2027 general elections. Bamidele highlighted potential conflicts with Clause 28, which requires elections to occur at least 360 days before officials’ tenure expires, and warned that holding elections during Ramadan could affect voter turnout and election logistics.
Similarly, the House of Representatives previously witnessed chaos when opposition lawmakers staged a walkout, protesting motions perceived as undermining Clause 60(3) on compulsory electronic transmission of results. Despite the tensions, the House continued its legislative process, ultimately passing the dual membership criminalisation provision.