The Nigerian Senate has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to allow duly registered and eligible prison-electorates to exercise their franchise during all general elections in Nigeria.
This was even as it called on the Electoral body to determine the status of the inmates that are constitutionally and legally qualified to be registered as eligible voters and should vote at elections.
These were part resolutions reached by the Senate following a motion sponsored by Senator Abba Moro
Senator Moro expressed worried about the Continuous infringement of the Voting rights of Prison inmates as Section 25 of the 1999 Constitution still recognizes them as Citizens of Nigeria.
Other Lawmakers who threw their weight behind the motion say Prisoners still awaiting or undergoing trial or conviction still have the right to Vote and should be allowed to exercise their Franchise
The chamber however urged the Commission and relevant agencies to carry out voter’s enlightenment in all prisons in Nigeria, to educate the inmates of their rights and necessity to exercise their franchise in general elections.
