INEC Proposal To Allow Prisoners Vote in 2027 Elections Sparks Mixed Reactions
Reactions have continued to pour in following the recent disclosure by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on the possibility of granting inmates the right to vote in the 2027 general elections.
PulseNets learnt that while some legal experts have hailed the proposal as a significant step towards enforcing constitutional guarantees for all citizens, including those in custody, several political analysts have raised red flags over the potential for manipulation of prisoners’ votes.
Prof. Yakubu had revealed the plan last week when he hosted the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, at INEC headquarters in Abuja. He reaffirmed an Appeal Court ruling which upheld the rights of inmates to register and participate in elections, adding that consultations between INEC and the NCoS were ongoing to define the operational framework.
“These include access to voting facilities, addressing political parties’ concerns, and determining the category of inmates covered by the court ruling,” he stated.
Speaking to PulseNets on the matter, Barrister Zurkallaini Sani Tsanyawa backed INEC’s position, saying, “All Nigerian citizens have the right to vote including detainees in Nigeria correctional services, as such the chairman of INEC’s statement on the right of prisoners to vote during any election in Nigeria is in conformity with constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and the ruling of the Court Appeal.”
However, he urged that stringent safeguards be instituted to prevent political exploitation of the process.
“Both security agencies and INEC must put measures against corrupt politicians who may use this opportunity to rig any election,” he warned.
In the same vein, Professor Kamilu Sani Fagge of the Political Science Department, Bayero University, Kano, told PulseNets he welcomed the move but stressed the need for caution.
*“I applaud what INEC is trying to achieve. I actually think it’s long overdue as prisoners deserve to exercise their rights during elections. However, there is still a serious concern regarding the possibility of manipulation and rigging. For this exercise to yield positive results, the commission has to put the correct protocols in place to ensure a free and fair election. All inmates eligible to vote should be registered and a list should be made public to ensure proper monitoring. This way, the numbers cannot be inflated to favor any candidate or party.
Also Read: INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu Debunks Death Rumours
“If this inmates voting is a thing we want to adopt, we must first of all start with a mock election. To measure the accuracy of the process as well as sight issues within the process that may arise and find solutions to it before a proper general election is held not for it to be implemented without first being tested and tried,”* he argued.
Analysts told PulseNets that the inclusion of inmates in Nigeria’s electoral process could represent a landmark development in the country’s democratic evolution. Yet, whether it becomes a celebrated reform or sparks deep political controversy remains to be seen.
