Senate says it awaits House before acting on dual party membership ban
The Senate has clarified its position on the proposed ban on dual party membership. Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, explained that the Senate cannot deliberate on the amendment until it is formally transmitted from the House of Representatives. The amendment seeks to criminalise holding membership in more than one political party at the same time. The Senate emphasized that constitutional procedures must be followed before any law can be enacted or amended.
Key takeaways
- Yemi Adaramodu stated the Senate cannot comment on the amendment until it is received from the House of Representatives.
- The House of Representatives recently passed an amendment to the Electoral Act 2026 to prohibit dual party membership.
- The proposed law introduces criminal penalties, including a fine of N10m and/or up to two years in prison for offenders.
- The amendment aims to close loopholes that allow politicians to belong to multiple parties, which critics say undermines party discipline.
- The Senate reiterated that both chambers must pass any amendment before it can be enacted and sent to the President for assent.
