The House of Representatives of Nigeria has passed a bill proposing a two-year jail term and a fine of up to ₦10 million for any citizen found to be a member of more than one political party at the same time.
The bill, sponsored by the House Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, seeks to prohibit dual-party membership in order to strengthen internal discipline within political parties and improve accountability in Nigeria’s multi-party political system.
Lawmakers said the proposed legislation aims to curb political opportunism and address concerns over individuals maintaining affiliations with multiple parties for strategic or electoral advantage.
Under the proposed law, anyone found to be holding membership in more than one political party could face up to two years in prison or be fined N10 million, or both.
In addition, the legislation requires political parties to maintain accurate membership registers as part of efforts to improve transparency in party administration.
Political parties are also mandated to submit their updated membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission at least 21 days before party primaries, congresses or conventions.
According to the bill, only individuals whose names appear in the official registers submitted to the electoral commission will be eligible to vote or contest elections during party activities.
