The National Assembly, NASS, has introduced a proposal as part of the ongoing Electoral Act amendment that would allow prison inmates in Nigeria to vote in elections.
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Leader of the Senate, disclosed the development ahead of the National Assembly’s resumption from the Christmas break.
He said the proposed legislation would also require that funds for general elections be released at least one year before election day.
Bamidele added that the Electoral Bill, 2025 contains at least 20 major provisions designed to distinguish it from previous electoral frameworks.
“We have started the review of the Electoral Act, 2022 clause by clause to achieve this end. With the Electoral Bill, 2025, we have achieved quite a lot to improve how we manage our elections; enhance the credibility of the process and ensure the political parties are accountable.
“This vision is in line with the sustained public demands for an electoral system that will guarantee the security of votes. The Electoral Bill, 2025 introduces no fewer than 20 defining highlights that will eventually differentiate it from the previous electoral regimes.
“First, under Section 12 (1-2), the Bill recognises the voting rights of prisoners and the obligations of the Independent National Electoral Commission to register all eligible inmates in all correctional facilities nationwide.
“Also, under Section 3 (3), the Bill mandates that funds for general elections must be released at least one year before the day of the elections. Obviously, this reduces uncertainty that often clogs the operation of the INEC and strengthens its independence.”
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