By Joy Odor
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, hosted Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, and his delegation on an advocacy visit to promote the landmark Early Voting Bill.
The bill aims to enfranchise security personnel, electoral workers, and other Nigerians who are often excluded from participating in general elections due to their national duties.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo commended Senator Yar’Adua, describing him as “a brother, a friend, and one of the brightest minds we have.”
He praised the senator’s commitment to democratic reforms and acknowledged the presence of civil society representatives and the leadership of YIAGA Africa.
The Minister highlighted the significance of the Early Voting Bill, citing historical examples of voter disenfranchisement, such as the 2011 Nasarawa State gubernatorial election.
He emphasized that the bill is a necessary and overdue piece of legislation that addresses long-standing issues of voter exclusion.
The bill proposes an amendment to the Electoral Act to allow for early voting at least seven days before general elections, specifically for members of security agencies, INEC staff, and other electoral workers who are deployed for election-day duties.
Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programs at YIAGA Africa, noted that the early voting bill is a bold step towards expanding electoral participation and ensuring that those who secure elections are not denied the right to vote.
The Minister also called for broader discourse on other marginalized groups, including awaiting trial inmates, who are legally presumed innocent but denied their constitutional right to vote.
He urged stakeholders to collaborate and build broad-based support for the bill across relevant institutions.
The session reaffirmed commitments from the Ministry of Interior, the Senator’s legislative team, and YIAGA Africa to work together to ensure the passage and implementation of the Early Voting Bill.
