By John Dike Osogbo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will advance voting right to inmates in correctional facilities natiomwide in future elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, gave this assurance on Friday during a courtesy visit by the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
In his remarks, Yakubu emphasized that the right to vote is a fundamental human right that should not be denied solely based on incarceration, especially for those awaiting trial.
He noted that several countries, including Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, already allow inmates to vote, and Nigeria must move in a similar direction.
“The Commission is aware of existing court judgments that affirm the voting rights of inmates awaiting trial. We believe it is time to act on these rulings by working collaboratively to ensure legal clarity and operational feasibility,” he stated.
Yakubu recalled past discussions with the Correctional Service and the establishment of a joint technical committee to assess challenges such as voter registration access, polling unit creation, and political party engagement within custodial centers.
He called for electoral reforms to include a clear legal framework for inmate voting, noting that Section 12(1)(e) of the Electoral Act 2022 currently leaves room for varied interpretations regarding voting eligibility of convicted persons or those on remand.
“We must seize the opportunity of ongoing electoral reforms to push for precise legal provisions that recognize the rights of inmates to vote, while also addressing the concerns of stakeholders including political parties, observers, and the media,” Yakubu said.
The INEC boss commended civil society organizations, especially the Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organization (CAPIO), for their consistent advocacy, and acknowledged the National Assembly’s positive posture on electoral inclusivity.
In response, Controller General Nwakuche reaffirmed the commitment of the Correctional Service to supporting INEC’s mandate and ensuring that inmates who are legally eligible are not disenfranchised.
The meeting marked a renewed push to address a long-standing gap in Nigeria’s democratic process and signaled optimism for more inclusive elections in the near future.
