The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to extend voting rights to inmates of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) during elections, marking a significant step toward inclusive democracy in Nigeria.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this development during a meeting with the Comptroller General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
The announcement follows an Appeal Court judgement affirming inmates’ rights to register and vote in elections. Prof. Mahmood emphasized INEC’s commitment to implementing this ruling, stating, “The commission is committed to ensuring that all Nigerians, including inmates, are given the opportunity to exercise their civic rights.”
He noted that INEC has been engaging with the NCoS to establish modalities for facilitating inmate voting, including access to voting facilities, voter education, and addressing concerns from political parties.
Key issues under discussion include the establishment of polling units within correctional facilities, voter registration processes, and ensuring transparency by allowing observers and media access on election day.
Mahmood highlighted the need for clarity on which categories of inmates are eligible to vote, referencing Section 12(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which outlines voter eligibility criteria, including the absence of legal incapacity to vote.
The initiative aligns with global practices, as countries like Kenya and South Africa already allow inmates to vote. As of 2020, Nigeria’s correctional facilities housed approximately 73,726 inmates, a significant population that could impact electoral outcomes if enfranchised.
The Comptroller General of NCoS, represented by Assistant Comptroller General Daniel Odaro, welcomed the move, citing a recent court ruling in favor of inmates’ voting rights. “We are here to work out the modalities to ensure this process is achieved in line with the law,” Odaro stated.
Stakeholders, including the Carmelites Prisoners’ Interest Organisation (CAPIO), have praised the development. A draft framework on inmates’ voting rights, adopted in May 2024, is being refined for submission to the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act, further solidifying the legal foundation for this reform.
While logistical challenges remain, such as determining polling unit locations and ensuring voter education, INEC’s commitment signals a progressive shift toward inclusivity.
Prof. Mahmood called for continued collaboration with lawmakers and the NCoS to finalize these arrangements, ensuring a transparent and fair process for all eligible voters, including those in correctional facilities.
