National Assembly Considers Allowing Prison Inmates to Vote in Elections

The National Assembly is reviewing a proposal to grant voting rights to prison inmates in Nigeria. Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, revealed that the bill, part of the ongoing Electoral Act amendment, also includes a provision to release election funds at least one year before election day. Bamidele further highlighted that the 2025 Electoral Bill introduces over 20 new provisions, marking a significant departure from previous election laws.

According to Bamidele, the bill aims to improve Nigeria’s electoral process by enhancing credibility, ensuring political party accountability, and meeting public demands for a secure voting system. One of the major features of the bill is Section 12 (1-2), which grants voting rights to prisoners and mandates the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register eligible inmates in correctional facilities nationwide.

Additionally, Section 3 (3) stipulates that funds for general elections must be released at least one year prior to election day, addressing the financial uncertainties that often hinder INEC’s operations. These proposed changes are expected to contribute to a more transparent, efficient, and independent electoral system.