The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says prison inmates will be allowed to vote in the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this known on Friday, August 8, while hosting the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Yakubu said the decision follows a Court of Appeal ruling which affirmed that inmates have the right to register and vote.
He explained that INEC has been meeting with the correctional service to work out modalities — including access to facilities, political parties’ concerns, and clarity on which categories of inmates the judgment covers.
The INEC boss also said the matter may require the National Assembly’s intervention to ensure it aligns with existing laws.
“The Commission is committed to ensuring that eligible inmates vote in our elections, provided it is done within the framework of the law,” Yakubu said.
Earlier, Nwakuche urged INEC to extend voting rights to inmates, particularly those awaiting trial. He noted that there are over 81,000 inmates nationwide, with about 66 percent yet to be convicted.
He also referenced the recent court ruling that upheld voting rights for inmates awaiting trial, describing it as a step toward strengthening democracy.
