By Muhammad Mamman
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has announced that prisoners in Nigeria will soon be granted the right to vote in elections, marking a significant step towards electoral inclusivity.
Discussions have been initiated between INEC and the Nigerian Correctional Service to establish the framework for extending voting rights to incarcerated individuals. This landmark initiative aims to enfranchise thousands of inmates across the country, ensuring their fundamental democratic rights are upheld.
In a pivotal meeting held in Abuja, the Controller,\nController General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche Ofori, met with INEC officials to champion the cause of inmate enfranchisement. During his first official visit to INEC, Mr Ofori drew attention to the plight of over 81,000 incarcerated Nigerians, noting that more than 66 per cent of them are awaiting trial and should be regarded as legally innocent.
Mr Ofori stated, “Anyone can find themselves on the wrong side of the law, and we must ensure they are treated with dignity. These individuals retain their rights, including the right to vote. Incarceration should not deprive them of their citizenship. I am here to explore how we can extend this fundamental right to inmates in the near future.”
Professor Yakubu welcomed the proposal, highlighting that countries such as Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa already permit inmates to participate in elections. He referenced court rulings from 2014 and 2018 that affirmed the voting rights of certain inmate groups, particularly those awaiting trial.
He added, “Through collaboration, we can leverage ongoing electoral reforms to secure clear legal provisions for citizens in correctional facilities. Our immediate priority is to engage with the National Assembly to obtain the necessary legal backing for this initiative.”
