Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has thrown his weight behind the decision to allow prison inmates to participate in Nigeria’s next general elections, describing the move as a progressive step for the nation’s democracy.

In a post shared on his official X handle on Friday, the outspoken ex-lawmaker said the reform could potentially add about 100,000 votes nationwide to the electoral process.

“Speaking from experience as an ex-prisoner, I know that the long-term serving inmates and the ‘Cell Governors’ and their Exco will control the votes,” Sani wrote.

The former senator explained that Nigerian prison facilities operate under a strict internal hierarchy, with established “orders of command” that are not for the faint-hearted. Despite this, he stressed that extending voting rights to inmates promotes inclusivity and justice.

“The order of command inside the prison cell is not for the weak. Overall, the reform that gives the prisoners the right to vote is commendable,” he added.

The development aligns with ongoing electoral reforms aimed at widening citizen participation and ensuring that all eligible Nigerians, including those in correctional facilities, have a voice in the country’s democratic process.