INEC Push For Prison Inmates To Gain Voting Rights In Nigeria

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) are working together to make it possible for prison inmates to vote in future elections.

The move comes amid growing calls for the inclusion of inmates, especially those awaiting trial, in the nation’s electoral process.

The plan was discussed on Friday in Abuja when the Controller General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, visited INEC headquarters. INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu said that several countries, including Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, already allow inmates to vote, and Nigerian courts have previously ruled in favour of this right.

Yakubu referred to two key court judgments — a 2014 ruling by the Federal High Court in Benin and a 2018 decision by the Court of Appeal — which affirmed that inmates awaiting trial can vote. He stressed that voting is a choice, not an obligation, and must be voluntarily exercised by citizens.

According to Yakubu, INEC has held talks with NCoS in the past to work out how to register eligible inmates, create polling units within correctional centres, and provide voter education. He noted that political parties, election observers, and the media have raised concerns about access to these facilities during elections and the possibility of campaigns being conducted inside.

Yakubu also pointed out that legal clarity is still needed, as Section 12(1)(e) of the Electoral Act 2022 restricts registration to citizens not under any legal incapacity. He said INEC plans to engage the National Assembly to make specific provisions for inmate voting before moving to implementation.

The INEC chairman commended civil society groups, particularly the Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organisation, for their consistent advocacy. He also welcomed the support of lawmakers working on electoral matters, expressing confidence that collaboration between INEC, NCoS, and stakeholders can make inmate voting a reality in Nigeria.