The House of Representatives has introduced sweeping amendments to the Electoral Act 2026, tightening rules on party membership and candidate eligibility amid growing concerns over defections, particularly within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The move follows rising anxiety within the party as internal dynamics around primary elections intensify. Concerns have deepened after the President directed APC governors to oversee primaries and influence candidate selection, a development many lawmakers fear could affect their chances of securing return tickets.
The amendments, which target multiple sections of the Act, are designed to prevent politicians from maintaining parallel loyalties across political parties, especially during primary elections.
A key provision inserted into Section 77 prohibits dual party membership. Under the new subsections, individuals cannot be registered in more than one political party at the same time. Violators risk severe penalties, including a fine of ₦10 million, a two-year prison term, or both. Any dual registration will also be rendered void, pending proper regularisation.
Lawmakers also introduced stricter requirements for party membership documentation and participation in primaries. Political parties must now submit their membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at least 21 days before primaries, congresses, or conventions. Only individuals listed in the submitted register will be eligible to vote or contest.
Failure to comply could disqualify a party from fielding candidates in an election.
The amendments come amid reports of discontent within the APC, with some lawmakers already losing tickets through consensus arrangements reportedly backed by state governors. The situation has triggered uncertainty and speculation about possible defections by aggrieved aspirants after party primaries.
Recent adjustments to the APC’s primary election timetable are believed to be linked to efforts to finalise the amendments and secure presidential assent, which could effectively limit the window for defections.
Beyond the APC, the stricter provisions may also impact opposition parties grappling with internal disputes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), currently facing leadership and legal challenges, could struggle to meet the new requirement for timely submission of membership registers.
Additional amendments also seek to streamline pre-election dispute resolution. A separate bill proposes clearer jurisdictional guidelines for handling such cases, while another provision empowers aspirants to challenge false information submitted by candidates in court.
The amended bill is yet to be transmitted to the President, as lawmakers continue harmonisation of all proposed changes. Once completed, it is expected to be forwarded for assent in the coming days.
