Nigeria's National Assembly is advancing amendments to the Electoral Act that would grant eligible prison inmates the right to vote for the first time.
Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele announced the proposal as the legislature prepares to resume plenary following the Christmas break.
The changes form part of the Electoral Bill, 2025, which introduces at least 20 key reforms aimed at distinguishing it from past electoral frameworks and boosting public confidence in the process.
Speaking on the reforms, Bamidele emphasized that the ongoing clause-by-clause review of the Electoral Act, 2022 is designed to enhance election management, improve credibility, and hold political parties more accountable.
"This vision aligns with sustained public demands for an electoral system that guarantees the security of votes," he stated.
Among the standout provisions:Section 12 (1-2) explicitly recognizes the voting rights of prisoners and places a duty on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register all eligible inmates across correctional facilities nationwide.
Section 3 (3) requires that funds for general elections be released to INEC at least one year before polling day, reducing operational uncertainties and reinforcing the commission's autonomy.
These measures address long-standing concerns about late funding, which has hampered INEC's preparations in previous cycles, and respond to advocacy for inclusive voting rights.
The proposal follows earlier indications from INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu that the commission is exploring frameworks for inmate participation in elections.
If passed, the Electoral Bill, 2025, could mark a transformative shift in Nigeria's democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections, promoting broader enfranchisement while safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
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