The Independent National Electoral Commission has stepped up its push to eliminate physical and institutional obstacles preventing persons with disabilities from participating in Nigerian elections.
Speaking at a sensitisation workshop in Gombe on Monday, Gombe State Resident Electoral Commissioner Alhaji Umar Gajiram said every eligible citizen deserves an equal opportunity to shape the democratic process. Gajiram, represented by Administrative Secretary Hajiya Fadimatu Bakari, stressed that disability must never prevent a voter from casting a ballot.
“Disability inclusion should not be treated as an additional responsibility, but as an important part of our work,” Gajiram told stakeholders.
The commission outlined plans to provide specialized assistive materials, improve polling unit accessibility, and train electoral officials on handling diverse voter needs. INEC is also collaborating closely with disability advocacy groups to ensure inclusive participation.
The renewed push follows recent nationwide voter education drives by electoral officials aimed at addressing low registration figures among citizens with special needs. Electoral data previously showed roughly 232,000 registered voters with disabilities on the national roll.
Civil society organizations and disability networks have repeatedly urged the electoral body to deepen enforcement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act. Advocates maintain that accessible polling stations and robust voter education remain essential to restoring public confidence ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.
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