The Nigerian Senate has explained its silence on the proposed amendment to the Electoral Act that seeks to criminalise dual political party membership, stating that it cannot take a position until the bill is formally transmitted from the House of Representatives.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Yemi Adaramodu, said the upper chamber is unable to deliberate on any legislation that has not yet been received through the proper legislative process. He stressed that Nigeria operates a bicameral legislature, meaning both chambers must follow due procedure before any bill can be considered.
According to him, any proposed law must first pass through the House of Representatives, including first and second readings, public hearings, deliberations, and eventual passage before it can be sent to the Senate for concurrence. Until that stage is reached, he said, the Senate has no basis to comment or act on the proposal.
The amendment under consideration seeks to prohibit individuals from belonging to more than one political party, declare dual membership invalid, and impose stricter penalties on offenders. It also proposes sanctions including a ₦10 million fine, up to two years imprisonment, or both, for violators.
The bill further stipulates that anyone found guilty of holding dual party membership would lose recognition across all political parties until their status is regularised. The proposal is aimed at curbing defections, strengthening party discipline, and preventing manipulation of party registers.
Adaramodu reiterated that for the amendment to become law, it must be passed by both chambers of the National Assembly before being transmitted to the President for assent. Until then, he maintained that the Senate cannot take any official position on the matter.
