The Nigerian Senate has clarified why it has remained silent on the proposed amendment to the Electoral Act aimed at criminalising dual political party membership.
Newsonspot reports that according to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Yemi Adaramodu, the upper chamber cannot take any position on the bill until it is formally transmitted from the House of Representatives. He emphasised that the Senate is bound by legislative procedure and cannot deliberate on proposals that have not gone through the required stages.
Adaramodu explained that Nigeria’s bicameral legislature requires both chambers of the National Assembly to follow due process before any bill can be considered. This means the proposed amendment must first pass through the House of Representatives, including first and second readings, public hearings, detailed deliberations, and final passage.
Only after completing these stages can the bill be transmitted to the Senate for concurrence. Until then, the Senate has no official basis to comment or act on the proposal.
The amendment seeks to prohibit individuals from holding membership in more than one political party, declaring such dual affiliation invalid. It also proposes strict penalties for offenders, including a ₦10 million fine, up to two years imprisonment, or both.
In addition, the bill outlines that anyone found guilty of dual party membership would lose recognition across all political parties until their status is properly regularised. The proposal is designed to curb political defections, strengthen party discipline, and prevent manipulation of party registers.
Adaramodu reiterated that for the amendment to become law, it must be approved by both chambers of the National Assembly and subsequently forwarded to the President for assent. Until that process is completed, the Senate will maintain its position of non-engagement on the matter.
