Reps Prescribe N10m Fine, Jail Term For Politicians In Multiple Parties

The House of Representatives has approved an amendment to the Electoral Act 2026 to criminalise belonging to more than one political party at the same time.

According to the new provision, anyone found guilty of holding membership in multiple political parties could face a fine of N10 million and a maximum prison term of two years.

Lawmakers passed the amendment during plenary on Wednesday, Match 11, 2026.

The change added three new subsections to Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026, which focuses on political party membership.

Under the revised rule, a person cannot be registered with more than one political party at the same time. If it is discovered that someone holds membership in multiple parties, those memberships will automatically become invalid.

“A person shall not be registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time,” the provision reads.

“Where it is established that a person is registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time, 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.

“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

If the amendment is eventually signed into law, it is expected to tighten regulations surrounding party membership and help reduce cases of politicians belonging to several political parties at once.

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