Know Your Rights: The Nigerian Voter's Bill of Rights

As a Nigerian citizen, your right to vote is guaranteed by the Constitution. But your rights go beyond just casting a ballot. Here is a comprehensive guide to your rights as a voter.

Constitutional Rights

The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) guarantees every citizen aged 18 and above the right to vote in elections. Section 77(2) and Section 117(2) establish this right for National Assembly and State elections respectively.

Your Fundamental Voter Rights

1. Right to Register

Every Nigerian citizen aged 18+ has the right to register as a voter with INEC. No one can prevent you from registering based on your ethnicity, religion, gender, or political affiliation.

2. Right to Vote

Once registered, you have the right to cast your vote at your assigned polling unit during any election.

3. Right to a Secret Ballot

Your vote is private and confidential. The voting cubicle ensures secrecy. No one — not even INEC officials, party agents, or security personnel — can see how you voted or ask you to reveal your vote.

4. Right to Vote Without Intimidation

It is a criminal offence for anyone to:

• Threaten you for voting or not voting for a particular candidate
• Offer you money or gifts in exchange for your vote (vote buying)
• Physically prevent you from reaching your polling unit
• Use violence or the threat of violence to influence your vote

5. Right to Observe the Count

After voting closes, you have the right to remain at the polling unit and observe the counting and announcement of results.

6. Right to Challenge Results

If you believe an election was not conducted properly, you (through a candidate or party) have the right to challenge the results at an Election Petition Tribunal.

7. Right to Accommodation

Persons with disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women have the right to reasonable accommodations during voting.

Protecting Your Rights

If your rights are violated on election day:

1. Report to the Presiding Officer at the polling unit.
2. Document the incident (note the time, location, and what happened).
3. Report through the INEC Situation Room or through this app's Incident Reporting feature.
4. Contact a civil society organization like YIAGA Africa, TMG, or the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).