The Nigerian Senate has clarified why it is yet to take a position on the proposed law seeking to criminalise dual party membership, stating that the bill has not been formally presented to it by the House of Representatives.

Speaking on the issue, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Yemi Adaramodu, explained that the upper chamber cannot deliberate on any proposed amendment until it completes the legislative process in the lower chamber and is officially transmitted.

He noted that Nigeria operates a bicameral legislature, meaning both chambers of the National Assembly must consider and approve any amendment before it can proceed further. According to him, the Senate is unable to comment on or debate the proposal at this stage because it has not yet been received.

His remarks come shortly after the House of Representatives approved changes to the Electoral Act 2026 aimed at prohibiting individuals from belonging to more than one political party at the same time.

The proposed amendment introduces stricter consequences for offenders. Anyone found to hold membership in multiple political parties could face a fine of up to N10 million, a prison sentence of up to two years, or both. It also seeks to invalidate such memberships, pending proper regularisation in line with party rules and existing laws.

If eventually passed by both chambers and signed by the President, the legislation would mark a shift from the current system, where enforcement of party membership rules is largely administrative with limited legal penalties.