Reps Approve 2-Year Jail for Dual Party Membership

The House of Representatives, led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has approved amendments to the Electoral Act of 2026, specifically inserting three new clauses regarding dual party membership. Clause 8 states that any person registered as a member of a political party while being a member of another party will have their membership voided.

Clause 9 establishes that dual membership is invalid, and individuals will cease to be recognized as valid members of any political party until they regularize their status according to the provisions of the Act. Clause 10 stipulates that a person knowingly registering or maintaining membership in more than one political party will be committing an offense, punishable by a fine of 10 million Naira or imprisonment for a term of two years.

This legislative move aims to regulate party membership and uphold the integrity of political affiliations in Nigeria.