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By Lizzy Chirkpi
Plans by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow inmates to participate in Nigeria’s electoral process have stirred a buzz on social media.
The reactions followed a recent statement by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
Speaking on Friday while receiving the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, at INEC headquarters in Abuja, Yakubu disclosed that the Commission is making arrangements to implement a court ruling that grants inmates the right to vote.
Yakubu cited the 2019 Court of Appeal judgment delivered in Benin, Edo State, which affirmed the right of inmates in Nigerian correctional facilities to register and vote in elections. The ruling followed a legal challenge by five inmates who sued INEC for excluding them from the voter register.
While the court declined to compel INEC to establish voter registration centers within correctional facilities, it upheld the constitutional rights of inmates to participate in the electoral process.
The INEC Chairman noted that several meetings had been held between the Commission and the Nigeria Correctional Service to develop modalities for implementing the ruling. These discussions, according to him, have centered on access to correctional facilities, concerns raised by political parties, and clarifications regarding the categories of inmates eligible under the law.
Yakubu further emphasized the need for legislative input, stating that “the National Assembly may need to intervene to provide clear legal backing for the initiative.” However, he assured the Correctional Service of INEC’s readiness to proceed within the bounds of the law.
“INEC is determined to uphold the rights of all eligible Nigerians, including inmates, provided it is done in line with existing legal provisions,” Yakubu said.
In response, Nwakuche advocated for the inclusion of inmates particularly those awaiting trial in the democratic process. He revealed that Nigeria’s correctional facilities currently house over 81,000 inmates, with approximately 66 percent still awaiting trial.
The announcement has drawn a wave of mixed reactions from Nigerians, especially on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). While some view the move as a necessary advancement in civil rights, others question its legal and moral implications.
@Okpejokpe wrote:
“This should never be allowed in a sane state. Prisoners are already restricted to basic rights until they are either pardoned or serve their terms. Nigerians in the diaspora should be given voting rights instead.”
@mbakwem_paschal stated:
“The real issue is electoral integrity. It doesn’t matter who votes if the votes won’t count in the end.”
@SassiPamphile posted:
“Instead of letting Nigerians abroad vote, they prefer to let prisoners vote. Imagine how easy it would be to buy votes in prison. This is strategy, but it will backfire.”
@DonAzag questioned the legality:
“If prisoners cannot be voted for, why should they be allowed to vote? That’s a legal contradiction unless there’s a clause I’m missing.”
@Bethel_Anu raised concerns about potential fraud:
“It appears the plan might be to include votes from prison escapees or even deceased inmates. Meanwhile, free citizens still face disenfranchisement.”
Another user, @kingsrayac, made political accusations:
“INEC has lost credibility in the North, South-South, and Southeast. Now they want to use prisoners. Everything about this government is fraudulent.”
The push to include inmates in elections raises pressing questions about electoral inclusivity, legal interpretation, and institutional preparedness. While INEC explores its constitutional obligations, many Nigerians remain skeptical about the Commission’s priorities especially amid ongoing challenges in voter registration, diaspora voting, and electronic voting systems.
As 2027 approaches, this development could become a major point of debate in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.