The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, says the commission has begun steps to ensure prison inmates can vote in future elections.

Yakubu disclosed this on Friday during a meeting with the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche Ofori, at INEC headquarters in Abuja.

He noted that the proposal, which could extend voting rights to thousands of inmates nationwide, is part of ongoing electoral reforms and will require engagement with the National Assembly for legal backing.

Citing examples from Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa where inmates already vote, Yakubu said, “Working together, we can seize the opportunity of ongoing electoral reform for a clear legal provision that will specifically cover citizens serving time in our correctional facilities.”