INEC Chairman Welcomes NCoS Controller General, Discusses Voting Rights for Inmates
Oru Leonard
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, welcomed the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, to a courtesy call at the INEC Conference Room in Abuja on August 8, 2025.
Professor Yakubu who appreciated the long-standing partnership between INEC and NCoS in election management and security, acknowledged the importance of voting rights for inmates, citing judgments from the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal that affirmed the rights of inmates to vote in elections.
INEC raised concerns about access to correctional facilities for voter registration, creation of polling units, and voter education.
The INEC Chairman highlighted the opportunity of the ongoing electoral reform to include a clear legal provision that will specifically cover citizens serving time in correctional facilities.
The Commission appreciates the role of civil society organizations, such as Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organization (CAPIO), in advocating for inmate voting rights.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared determination of INEC and NCoS to extend voting rights to inmates of correctional facilities, promoting inclusivity in the electoral process Speaking earlier, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Comptroller General, Sylvester Mahmoud El-Kobouti, has called for deeper collaboration with the Commission to grant voting rights to inmates. Over 81,000 inmates are in Nigerian correctional facilities, with 66% awaiting trial and presumed innocent. El-Kobouti emphasized that inmates retain their fundamental human rights, including voting.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, agreed, citing past court rulings that affirmed inmates’ right to vote.
INEC and NCoS have set up a joint technical committee to review issues involved in inmate voting and advise on the way forward. They plan to engage with the National Assembly for a clear legal provision on inmate voting, addressing technical and operational requirements.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared determination of INEC and NCoS to extend voting rights to inmates of correctional facilities, promoting inclusivity in the electoral process
