The House of Representatives took a step on Wednesday toward tightening political party rules, advancing a bill to criminalize membership in more than one party at a time.
Specifically, the Lawmakers are proposing to impose penalties of up to ₦10 million in fines or two years in prison for offenders.
In a bill sponsored by Julius Ihonvbere, the House majority leader, the measure seeks to amend the Electoral Act of 2026.
The bill came up for a second reading during the 10th National Assembly’s plenary session, aiming to plug what lawmakers describe as loopholes that erode party discipline and the integrity of the country’s elections.
“Dual membership undermines internal democracy,” supporters of the bill argue, pointing to practices that allow politicians to hedge their loyalties across parties, potentially skewing primaries and conventions.
Under the bill, anyone who knowingly holds simultaneous memberships would face conviction with fines of ₦10 million (about $6,000), two years behind bars, or both.
Parties would have to issue membership cards, keep verified registers and submit them to the Independent National Electoral Commission at least 21 days before any primaries, congresses or conventions.
Only names on those official lists could participate in internal votes or run for office. Parties relying on unverified rosters or missing the deadline would be disqualified from fielding candidates.
Proponents say the changes would foster transparency and accountability in a political system long plagued by defections and opaque processes.
Critics, though, worry it could stifle legitimate political mobility in Nigeria’s fractious landscape. The bill now heads to committee for further review.
