“Reps Slam N10m Fine, Two-Year Jail on Politicians Playing Double Party Games”
By Passman Akpos
The House of Representatives of Nigeria has amended the Electoral Act 2026, introducing strict penalties against politicians and individuals who hold membership in more than one political party at the same time.
The amendment, which was passed during Wednesday’s plenary session in Abuja, makes dual political party membership a criminal offence punishable by a fine of N10 million, a prison term of up to two years, or both.
Lawmakers in the green chamber said the new provision was designed to strengthen party discipline, curb political opportunism, and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.
Under the revised law, any politician, aspirant, or individual who is discovered to be registered or affiliated with more than one political party simultaneously will be liable to prosecution.
Supporters of the amendment argued that the move would help reduce frequent political defections and manipulation of party structures, which have often triggered disputes during elections and party primaries.
The decision by the House of Representatives of Nigeria is expected to spark debate across the political landscape, particularly as party switching and cross-carpeting remain common features of Nigeria’s political system.
If eventually harmonised with the Nigerian Senate and signed into law by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the amendment will significantly tighten regulations governing party membership and could reshape political alignments ahead of future elections.
Political observers say the development may force politicians to publicly declare clear loyalties, as the era of secretly belonging to multiple parties could now attract severe legal consequences.
