Nigeria Lawmakers Clash Over Dual Party Membership Penalty

The Nigerian House of Representatives is currently engaged in a heated debate over a proposed amendment to the Electoral Act 2026, which seeks to criminalize dual party membership. Sponsored by House Leader Julius Ihonvber, the amendment prescribes a penalty of 10 million naira and two years imprisonment for individuals found to be members of more than one political party.

This proposal has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures and analysts, who argue it undermines constitutional rights and could affect the credibility of the upcoming 2027 general elections. The amendment is currently undergoing legislative processes, having passed the first and second readings.

Chairman of the House Committee on Universal Education, Abubakar Fulata, raised concerns about potential conflicts with Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu defended the bill, asserting that dual membership dilutes political alignment.

Critics, including Adebayo from the Social Democratic Party, argue that the amendment is an unconstitutional attack on democratic freedoms and serves to protect the ruling All Progressives Congress.