The Senate has clarified its stance on the proposed amendment to the Electoral Act that seeks to prohibit dual party membership, stating that it cannot deliberate on the matter until it is formally transmitted from the House of Representatives.
According to Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, the Senate cannot comment on the proposed amendment until it undergoes the necessary legislative process and is passed by both chambers of the National Assembly.
Adaramodu explained that even after the President's assent, there could still be an amendment to the law, whether private, executive, or public, and that the law cannot be enacted wholly until it passes through the other chamber.
The proposed amendment, which has already been passed by the House of Representatives, aims to prohibit individuals from holding membership in more than one political party simultaneously, with offenders risking a fine of N10m, a maximum prison term of two years, or both.
The amendment introduces three new subsections to Section 77 of the Act, which governs political party membership, and provides that any individual found to be registered in more than one political party at the same time would have such memberships declared invalid.
The Senate's cautious stance on the proposed amendment to the Electoral Act is a clear indication that the institution is not willing to take a strong stance on the issue of dual party membership. This is despite mounting concerns over the practice, which critics argue undermines internal party discipline and weakens the integrity of Nigeria's electoral system. The absence of clear criminal sanctions has created loopholes that are frequently exploited, particularly during party primaries and campaigns. As the proposed amendment aims to strengthen the legal framework regulating party affiliation and introduce criminal penalties for violations, it is imperative that the Senate takes a more decisive stance on the matter. The Nigerian people deserve a more robust and transparent electoral system, and it is the responsibility of the National Assembly to ensure that this is achieved.
