Connect with us

latest

Lawmakers, Opposition Clash Over Penalties For Dual Party Membership.

Published

on

According to Nivo News, a recent amendment to the Electoral Act 2026, imposing a ₦10 million fine or two years’ imprisonment for individuals holding membership in more than one political party, has sparked intense debate across Nigeria’s political landscape. The proposal, passed by the House of Representatives, has divided lawmakers and drawn criticism from opposition figures and analysts, who warn it could infringe on constitutional rights and undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The amendment, introduced barely a month after the Electoral Act 2026 was signed into law, adds three new clauses to Section 77, which governs political party membership. Sponsored by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, the bill criminalises dual party membership, stating that any person found to belong to more than one political party at the same time “commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of ₦10 million or imprisonment for a term of two years or both.” It also provides that dual membership “shall be void” until properly regularised.

The proposal has divided lawmakers. Jonathan Gaza, Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, supported the amendment, describing dual membership as “mischievous and deceptive.” In contrast, Abubakar Fulata, Chairman of the House Committee on University Education, warned that the measure may conflict with Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu defended the bill, describing dual membership as “fraudulent misrepresentation” and insisting that individuals should align with parties reflecting their ideological beliefs.

Opposition parties have strongly rejected the amendment. Social Democratic Party (SDP) leader Adewole Adebayo described the bill as unconstitutional and an attack on democratic freedoms. He argued that while candidates must be sponsored by a single party during elections, there is no law preventing them from belonging to multiple political associations. Adebayo accused lawmakers of advancing partisan interests rather than democratic principles, suggesting the amendment is designed to protect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from internal defections.

Legal and public affairs analyst Maarcellus Onah linked the amendment to fears of defections within the ruling party amid worsening economic conditions, insecurity, and declining public confidence. Onah criticised the National Assembly for failing to hold the executive accountable, noting that some supporters of the bill had previously switched political parties themselves. Analysts have also questioned the necessity of the amendment given the APC’s current dominance across state and federal levels, but opposition leaders stressed that popular support ultimately lies with the people.


Advertisement

latest

Breaking: House Of Reps Moves To Establish Nursing College In Lagos.

Published

on

The House of Representatives is set to advance a bill seeking to establish a Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery in Ifako/Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that the proposed legislation passed its second reading during plenary on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

The bill was sponsored by Benjamin Olabinjo, who represents Ifako/Ijaiye Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Speaking in support of the proposal, Olabinjo said hospitals and healthcare facilities across Nigeria urgently needed more qualified nurses and midwives to improve patient care.

He noted that the continued migration of trained healthcare professionals to countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States had placed additional pressure on Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system.

According to the lawmaker, “The bill will increase the number of qualified nurses and midwives available to hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country. The migration of trained professionals to the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States and other Western countries has further strained Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“Ask any hospital in Nigeria what it needs most, and the answer is almost always the same: more nurses and midwives. Yet we are losing them faster than we are training them. This bill is about training more of them, and training them where they are needed.

“Training close to home means a real career for young people in this constituency and Lagos, without the cost of moving far away to study. We cannot fix our healthcare system without the people who run it day and night. This bill invests in them.”

The proposed college is expected to expand opportunities for nursing and midwifery education while helping to address the shortage of qualified healthcare professionals in the country.

Continue Reading

latest

‘We’ll Rig Those Who Rig 2027 Election’ – Peter Obi Fires Warning.

Published

on

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has vowed to send election riggers, certificate forgers and compromised electoral officials to prison if elected President of Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Obi made the declaration on Wednesday while addressing supporters at an NDC town hall meeting in Nasarawa State.

When asked how the party would respond to attempts to manipulate the 2027 general elections, the former Anambra State governor said the NDC was prepared to confront anyone seeking to rig the polls.

“You didn’t ask about what we are going to do if people rig the election next year. Let me assure you, number one, this coming election, we will rig those who rig it,” he said.

Obi further promised that his administration would work to eliminate electoral fraud by strengthening political parties and improving the country’s electoral process.

He said, “And let me assure you, number two, if I’m elected the President of Nigeria, nobody will rig elections in this country again because the first thing we need to do is to strengthen our parties, strengthen the process.”

The NDC flagbearer also called for stricter requirements for anyone seeking elective office, insisting that candidates must provide clear and verifiable evidence of their primary and secondary education.

“Our laws will be strict. For you to contest election, you must have attended a primary school, you must have attended a secondary school and it will be visible, it will be clear,” he stated.

Obi warned that anyone who falsely claims to have attended school or presents forged academic certificates would face imprisonment.

“If you didn’t attend any of them or forge your certificate, you go to jail,” he added.

He also pledged to hold officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other individuals involved in election administration accountable if they compromised the process.

“Any INEC official, anybody who is involved with elections under my watch that rigs elections will go to jail,” Obi declared.

The former governor stressed that his administration would uphold the rule of law and ensure that no individual, regardless of their position, would be above it.

“Under my watch, Nigeria must be a country that has a law, and both from the number one person to the last person must obey the rule of law. Nobody must be above the law; nobody will behave rascally,” he said.

Obi told supporters that his presidential ambition was driven by a desire to transform the country and build a better future for Nigerians.

“That’s why we are doing what we are doing. We want to change Nigeria. A new Nigeria is possible, and that new Nigeria will be OK,” he added.

Continue Reading

latest

Emeka Ike Reacts After Losing ₦10 Billion Lawsuit Against Wike’s Aide, INEC.

Published

on

Nollywood actor Emeka Ike has expressed disappointment after the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed his ₦10 billion fundamental human rights suit against Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that the actor had approached the court seeking ₦10 billion in damages over the alleged publication of his personal data in INEC’s database.

In the suit, Emeka Ike accused Olayinka and INEC of causing him significant hardship and damage through the alleged disclosure. He asked the court to award him compensation and declare their actions illegal and unconstitutional.

However, delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Salim Ibrahim of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the case for lacking merit.

The judge held that the actor had failed to establish his claims against the defendants with credible evidence, ruling in favour of Olayinka and INEC.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the judgment, Emeka Ike questioned the meaning of fundamental human rights, expressing concern that people could suffer alleged violations, online bullying and public embarrassment without obtaining justice.

He said: “It’s even crazy that your right will be violated and the judge will tell you it’s not a fundamental human right. Then what is a fundamental human right? The embarrassment, the bullying online.”

Continue Reading

Trending