Group Unveils Framework For Inmates’ Voting Rights In Nigeria

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO) has introduced a framework outlining the rights of custodial center inmates to vote in future elections in Nigeria.

Rev. Father Jude Isiguzo, the Executive Director of CAPIO, announced this during a stakeholders workshop in Abuja.

The developed document, named “Pollrite23,” aims to guide inmates in participating in general elections.

CAPIO seeks the approval and support of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the implementation of the framework.

Isiguzo emphasised the organisation’s two-year effort to create the document, calling for INEC’s approval and collaboration to ensure the successful implementation of inmates’ voting rights.

The lack of a framework for inmates’ voting in Nigeria prompted CAPIO to develop this initiative, and the workshop aimed to gather input from stakeholders and experts.

The Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, acknowledged CAPIO’s positive impact on inmates’ well-being.

Nababa, represented by the Controller of Corrections in charge of Operations, Mr Ibrahim Usman, expressed the correctional service’s readiness to collaborate with CAPIO for the success of the “Pollrite23” project.

YIAGA Africa’s Programme Coordinator, Mr Ibrahim Faruk, pledged support for CAPIO, highlighting their commitment to promoting democratic governance, human rights, and civic engagement.

He emphasised the importance of advocating for inmates’ voting rights in Nigeria.

Mr Ogechi Obialo-Isuma from the Transition Monitoring Group, suggested that implementing electronic voting in Nigeria could expedite the process of granting inmates the right to vote.

He argued that electronic voting would not only facilitate inmates’ participation but also benefit election monitors and observers.

Various stakeholders present at the workshop expressed their commitment to supporting the implementation of the document, reflecting a collaborative effort to advance the voting rights of inmates in Nigeria. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed