Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
Former Nigerian senator and prominent human rights activist, Comrade Shehu Sani, has strongly endorsed the recent electoral reform granting prison inmates the right to vote in upcoming elections.
This was posted on his verified X handle, the outspoken politician and former political prisoner described the development as “commendable,” while offering rare insights into prison power dynamics that could influence voting patterns.
Drawing from his personal experience as an ex-detainee, Sani revealed that Nigeria’s correctional facilities house approximately 100,000 potential voters, a significant electoral union Hower, he warn about the unique hierarchical structures within prisons, noting that “long term serving inmates and the Cell Governors with their executive councils will effectively control these votes.”
The activist explained that the rigid internal command structure of prisons creates an environment where voting behavior may be subject to pressure, stating bluntly: “The order of command inside the prison cell is not for the weak.”
Despite these concerns, Sani maintained that the fundamental recognition of prisoners voting rights represents a progressive leap for Nigerian democracy. His analysis highlights the tension between democratic ideals and practical implementation challenges, suggesting that while the reform is philosophically sound, its execution may require safeguards to ensure genuine electoral freedom for inmates.
The former lawmaker commentary has sparked renewed debate about prisoner enfranchisement, with civil society groups welcoming the development as aligning Nigeria with international human rights standards.
These was resulted on a push to enfranchise thousands of Nigerians prisoners by Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche Ofori.
Citing that anybody can find himself on the other side of the law,” . stressing on there civic right and how they are treated. They have rights, and one of those rights is the right to vote. The fact that they are in incarceration should not strip them of their citizenship.”
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, welcomed the proposal, noting that other African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, already permit inmates to vote. He acknowledged that court judgments in 2014 and 2018 had affirmed the right of certain categories of inmates particularly those awaiting trial to participate in elections.
Security experts express concerns about potential manipulation of the prison voting process. As Nigeria prepares for future elections, Sanis insider perspective provides valuable context for understanding how this landmark reform might play out within the countrybcorrectional system.