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Electoral Act Amendment: Bill Seeks Prisoners’ Right To Vote In Nigeria’s Elections
Electoral Act Amendment: Bill Seeks Prisoners’ Right To Vote In Nigeria’s Elections....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
A new bill submitted to the National Assembly aims to amend the Electoral Act, 2022, to grant inmates in Nigerian prisons the right to vote. The proposed legislation, titled “Bill for An Act to amend the Electoral Act to provide for the right to vote of persons detained or incarcerated in custodial institutions and other places of detention; and related matters,” is sponsored by the Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organization (CAPIO) and drafted by the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP), led by Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja……CONTINUE READING
The bill proposes significant amendments to sections 9, 12, 13, 40, and 152 of the current Electoral Act. Key amendments include establishing polling units and voter registration centers in or near custodial centers and detention facilities. It also seeks to enable inmates to transfer their polling units to the location of their detention.
Key Provisions of the Bill:
- Polling Units in Custodial Centers:
- Section 40 of the Electoral Act, 2022, would be amended to insert a new subsection (3) mandating INEC to establish polling units in or near custodial centers in consultation with the facility heads.
- Voter Registration Centers:
- Section 9 would be amended to add subsection (8), requiring INEC to designate voter registration centers in or near custodial centers.
- Transfer of Polling Units for Inmates:
- Section 13 would be amended to allow inmates to transfer their registration to the polling units located at their detention facilities.
Justification for the Amendment:
CAPIO argues that the right to participate in government should not be denied to any eligible voter, including those in detention. This right is supported by various international and regional legal frameworks, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights. The Nigerian Constitution also guarantees citizens the right to vote.
Despite these legal protections, inmates in Nigerian prisons have been denied the opportunity to vote. CAPIO emphasizes the need to rectify this disenfranchisement and uphold inmates’ voting rights, which were affirmed by a 2014 Federal High Court ruling in Benin, Edo State.
Historical Context and Legal Precedent:
In December 2014, Justice Mohammed Lima of the Federal High Court in Benin ruled that prisoners have the right to vote in Nigerian elections. The court’s decision mandated INEC and the Nigeria Prisons Service to ensure inmates are not disenfranchised. However, this ruling has not been fully implemented.
The Nigerian Senate also passed a resolution in March 2022 urging INEC to allow eligible inmates to vote and to collaborate with the Nigerian Correctional Service to establish voting centers in custodial facilities. INEC has yet to act on this resolution.
Significance of the Proposed Bill:
The bill seeks to address the ongoing violation of inmates’ voting rights by incorporating these rights into the Electoral Act, 2022. It aims to ensure that inmates can participate in the electoral process, thus enhancing the democratic principles of the country. The bill also acknowledges that over 80% of Nigerian prison inmates are awaiting trial and are presumed innocent under the law.
Implementation:
If passed, the bill will:
- Amend the Electoral Act to include provisions for inmates’ voting rights.
- Establish schedules and modalities for voter registration and elections in custodial centers.
- Provide funding for conducting elections in these facilities.
Conclusion:
The proposed amendments to the Electoral Act are designed to uphold the constitutional and human rights of inmates by ensuring their participation in Nigeria’s electoral process. This legislative effort reflects a commitment to democratic inclusivity and the protection of the voting rights of all citizens, regardless of their incarceration status.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has congratulated Senator Tony Nwoye on his appointment as Senate Minority Whip, describing the development as a reflection of his credibility and the growing confidence in the party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said Nwoye’s elevation underscores his consistency, courage, and commitment to democratic principles.
According to the statement, his recognition is a clear indication of his dedication to democratic values and responsible representation.
The party added that the development demonstrates its commitment to strengthening democratic practice and contributing meaningfully as a responsible opposition platform.
It further noted that the appointment signals increasing trust in the ADC as a credible political force ahead of future elections.
The ADC also said the milestone reinforces its broader ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that it is positioning itself not only to participate in the contest but also to lead.
It expressed confidence that Nwoye would discharge his duties effectively, bringing diligence and balance to his new role in the Senate.
The party added that his contribution would be significant in promoting legislative accountability and protecting the interests of Nigerians at a crucial moment in the country’s democratic development.
Public affairs analyst Sumner Sambo has described the emerging Obi–Kwankwaso (OK) Movement as a natural and encouraging political development ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
He made the remarks on Thursday during an interview on Prime Time, a programme on Arise News, following the unveiling of a joint support structure for Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Sambo said he was pleased that supporters of both politicians were coming together, stressing that the movement appears to be driven organically from the grassroots rather than by the candidates themselves.
According to him, this kind of alliance reflects a healthy democratic process and should be encouraged.
However, he urged that the movement maintain transparency in its operations, particularly in the area of funding. He noted that with coordinators already appointed across states, zones, and the national level, accountability should be prioritised.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said his recent visit to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed was aimed at promoting national unity.
The meeting, held at the Presidential Lounge of the Government House in Bauchi, was attended by Igbo elders, ADC senators from the South-East, and other political associates.
Obi said the engagement formed part of broader efforts to strengthen unity in the country and called for collective action toward national renewal, expressing concern about Nigeria’s current challenges.
The Nigerian Army has announced the removal of Barrister Nathan Oguwike as Company Secretary of Post-Service Housing Development Limited.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The decision, which took effect on April 23, 2026, was contained in an official notice issued by the organisation’s spokesperson, Lieutenant Augustine Nkeonye.
In the statement, the Army confirmed that Oguwike no longer holds any position within the company.
It stated that the public should take note that he has ceased to serve as Company Secretary and is no longer affiliated with the organisation in any capacity.
The notice further clarified that he is not authorised to represent or act on behalf of the company in any official dealings.
It also warned that the organisation would not be held responsible for any actions or representations made by him after the termination of his appointment.
No official explanation was provided for his removal, as the Army did not disclose whether the decision was administrative or disciplinary in nature.
Post-Service Housing Development Limited is an initiative of the Nigerian Army established to provide affordable housing for both serving and retired military personnel as part of its welfare programme.
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