INEC Boosts Electoral Inclusion for Nigerians With Disabilities

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is stepping up efforts to remove barriers to voting for persons with disabilities ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election, introducing assistive voting materials, dedicated queues and targeted voter education.

The initiative aims to ensure that all eligible Nigerians, including persons with disabilities, can participate in the democratic process without discrimination or unnecessary obstacles.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, Dr Elizabeth Agwu, gave the assurance during a sensitisation programme for persons with disabilities (PWDs), electoral officers from the state’s 21 local government areas and disability desk officers in Awka.

Agwu reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent, inclusive and credible elections in the state, urging persons with disabilities to remain confident ahead of the polls.

She said the programme was designed to educate participants about the electoral process and build their confidence in the commission’s ability to conduct credible elections.

“We are all here today to sensitise members of PWDs, electoral officers and disability desk officers on the importance of the election and to build their confidence ahead of the polls.

“We want them to keep believing in themselves, believing in the Commission’s capacity in conducting a transparent election and believing in the sustainability of Nigeria democracy,” she said.

The REC urged participants to work together to ensure a successful electoral process, stressing that the 2027 general election required cooperation and unity among stakeholders.

“I urge you all to work happily with me to conduct a free, fair and credible 2027 general election in Anambra State.

“The 2027 general election is our collective responsibility, so we must work cooperatively and in unity to make it a success,” Agwu said.

She also commended persons with disabilities for their consistent participation in the commission’s engagements.

The facilitator, Mr Bukar Maikwada, Assistant Director in charge of Youth at INEC headquarters in Abuja, said the commission had provided assistive devices, including three-ballot guides, magnifying glasses and EC30PWD posters, to help persons with disabilities participate more effectively in elections.

“INEC is an inclusive commission, that is why it always makes provision for persons with disabilities, to enable them cast their votes with ease during elections,” he said.

Seperate Queues

Maikwada stated that separate queues would be provided for persons with disabilities and elderly voters on election day to improve access and reduce waiting times.

“On election day, we are going to have separate queues for the PWDs and the elderly, so that as soon as they come, they will be attended to immediately,” he said.

In his goodwill message, the Anambra State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, commended INEC for involving the disability community in its preparations to ensure members could exercise their constitutional rights without unnecessary challenges.

Okeke pledged that the association would extend the sensitisation exercise to its members to improve their understanding of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general election.

He reaffirmed JONAPWD’s commitment to partnering with INEC and other stakeholders to ensure that no eligible voter with a disability was left behind.

Also speaking, the Anambra State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ifeoma Chijioke, urged persons with disabilities not to allow harassment or intimidation to prevent them from exercising their civic rights during elections.

She stressed that protecting the voting rights of persons with disabilities was essential to ensuring that Nigeria’s democratic process remained accessible to all eligible citizens.

Source: VON