INEC, Correctional Service Partner to Strengthen Electoral Participation for Inmates

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to collaborate with the Nigerian Correctional Service to ensure that eligible inmates in correctional facilities are able to vote in future elections.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, made this known in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche.

Professor Yakubu, while acknowledging the important roles played by INEC and the Correctional Service in electoral processes, expressed the Commission’s readiness to broaden the existing partnership. This move aims to address a long-standing but often neglected democratic gap—the disenfranchisement of inmates.

He stressed that voting is a fundamental human right that should not be denied simply because a person is in custody, particularly those who are awaiting trial.

Citing key legal precedents, Professor Yakubu referred to rulings by the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal in Benin, which affirmed that inmates awaiting trial have the right to vote. However, he emphasized that implementation must be voluntary and not coerced.

He revealed that INEC and the Correctional Service had previously formed a joint technical committee to facilitate access to correctional centers for voter registration, establish polling units within facilities, promote voter education, and ensure the involvement of political parties, election observers, and the media to enhance transparency.

Professor Yakubu also highlighted the need for legal clarity to address possible ambiguities, particularly regarding Section 12(1)(e) of the Electoral Act 2022, which might require interpretation or amendment to fully enable inmates’ electoral participation.

He acknowledged the contributions of civil society organisations for their consistent advocacy on the issue and commended the National Assembly for its increasing support for inclusive electoral practices.

In his remarks, the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr. Nwakuche, lamented that inmates remain among the most neglected groups within Nigeria’s democratic process.

He disclosed that of the over 81,000 inmates across correctional facilities nationwide, more than 66 percent are awaiting trial and, under Nigerian law, are presumed innocent.

“Even for those convicted, some fundamental rights remain intact, including the right to vote,” he stated.

The Comptroller General called on INEC to help resolve technical and legal challenges in implementing inmate voting and assured that the Service would offer full institutional support. He also emphasized the need for active collaboration with lawmakers, political parties, civil society groups, and the media to realize the goal.