INEC to Enforce Voting Rights for Prisoners

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its readiness to allow prison inmates to vote in future elections, in line with a 2019 Court of Appeal ruling. INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, said preparations are underway to ensure the rights of eligible inmates, particularly those awaiting trial, are upheld.

Yakubu noted that the Commission has been working closely with the Nigeria Correctional Service to develop guidelines for the process, including the identification of eligible inmates, access to facilities, and addressing concerns from political parties. He added that legislative support from the National Assembly may be required to fully operationalise the plan.

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, disclosed that there are over 81,000 inmates nationwide, with about 66% awaiting trial. He emphasised that these individuals, under the law, retain their voting rights and should be included in the electoral process.

While the court ruling grants inmates the right to vote, it stopped short of compelling INEC to create registration centres in prisons. However, Yakubu maintained that the commission remains committed to implementing the decision within the limits of existing laws.