BREAKING: Reps Imposes Jail Term, ₦10m Fine for Dual Party Membership In Amended Electoral Act 2026

Reps has imposed a jail term and ₦10m fine for dual party membership in the amended Electoral Act 2026.

 

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the House of Representatives has amended the Electoral Act 2026 to criminalise dual membership of political parties in Nigeria.

Under the new provision approved during Wednesday’s plenary, any individual found guilty of belonging to more than one political party at the same time will face a fine of ₦10 million.

Lawmakers also introduced a custodial penalty for offenders, prescribing a maximum prison term of two years for anyone convicted under the provision.

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The amendment was passed by the Green Chamber as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework and address political party defections and irregularities in the country’s political system.

With the latest change, individuals who maintain simultaneous membership in multiple political parties risk both heavy financial penalties and possible imprisonment if found guilty under the law.

The amendment is expected to tighten regulations governing political party affiliation and promote discipline within Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system.