The House of Representatives has moved to modify the Electoral Act, establishing a clear prohibition against individuals belonging to multiple political parties at the same time. This legislative action comes shortly after President Bola Tinubu assented to the Act.
The initiative by the Green Chamber addresses concerns regarding politicians who allegedly maintain affiliations with various political parties.
The proposed amendment introduces three new clauses to Section 77 of the Electoral Act, which specifically pertains to the registration and membership of political parties. The updated provision stipulates that any person found to be registered with more than one political party concurrently will have these memberships declared null and void.
Under the revised legislation, individuals found guilty of simultaneously holding membership in multiple political parties could face a penalty of N10 million, a prison sentence of up to two years, or a combination of both.
The new clauses state: "A person shall not be registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time. Where it is established that a person is registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time, such dual membership shall be void, and the person shall cease to be recognised as a valid member of any political party pending regularisation in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the constitution of the political party concerned."
It further elaborates: "A person who knowingly registers or maintains membership in more than one political party at the same time commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N10m or to imprisonment for a term of two years, or both."
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