NASS Proposes Voting Rights Of Prisoners In Electoral Law

In the ongoing amendment to electoral law, the National Assembly made a proposal that would grant prisoner inmates in Nigeria the right to cast ballots in elections.

Prior to the start of the National Assembly’s Christmas break, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate’s leader, gave the hints that the proposed law would require the release of funds for general elections at least a year in advance of the election day.

Additionally, Bamidele further revealed that the Electoral Bill, 2025 introduces at least 20 key defining features that would help it stand out from previous electoral regimes.

A similar story is being read by INEC, according to Mahmood.

To accomplish this goal, we have begun reviewing the Electoral Act, 2022, clause by clause. We have accomplished a lot with the Electoral Bill, 2025, to improve how we conduct elections; increase the process’s credibility and hold the political parties accountable.

This perspective aligns with public demands for an electoral system that guarantees voter security. No fewer than 20 defining features are included in the Electoral Bill, 2025, to help it stand out from previous electoral regimes.

First, the Bill recognizes the right of prisoners to vote in accordance with Section 12(1) and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s obligation to register all of the prisoners who are eligible in all correctional facilities nationwide.