Benin City, Edo State – September 21, 2021
In a fervent call for inclusivity and transparency, the Founder and CEO of Global Hope and Justice for Persons with Disabilities, Paul Ihekwuaba Esq, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that voters with disabilities face no barriers in exercising their voting rights during the ongoing Edo gubernatorial election. As one of Nigeria’s leading advocates for electoral inclusion and accessibility, Ihekwuaba’s appeal is a reminder of the long journey toward achieving an inclusive democratic process in the country.
Speaking from Benin, the Edo State capital, where he served as an observer for the election, Ihekwuaba underscored the need for INEC to live up to its commitment to making voting accessible for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). His observations and remarks are especially significant as they shed light on the persistent challenges faced by PWDs in participating in the electoral process, despite existing frameworks aimed at promoting inclusivity.
A Decade of Advocacy and Engagement with INEC
Ihekwuaba highlighted the disability community’s decade-long engagement with INEC, which began as far back as 2010. Over the years, advocacy efforts led by various Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) have pushed for an electoral system that considers the unique needs of voters with disabilities. The result of these relentless efforts was the development of a framework by INEC, which aims to ensure an accessible and inclusive electoral process for persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
“The journey toward an inclusive voting process for PWDs has been gradual but significant,” Ihekwuaba stated. “Since 2010, we have worked tirelessly to engage INEC, advocating for a framework that would facilitate accessible voting for persons with disabilities. Today, this framework exists, and it has been incorporated into the Electoral Act, which is a step in the right direction.”
However, despite the framework’s establishment, Ihekwuaba emphasized that much work still lies ahead to create a truly accessible electoral process. He pointed out that various physical and structural barriers continue to hinder PWDs from exercising their voting rights in a stress-free and dignified manner.
Barriers to Accessibility Persist Despite Progress
While the inclusion of disability rights in the electoral framework is a welcome development, Ihekwuaba explained that the reality on the ground remains far from ideal. He expressed concern that polling units across the state continue to present obstacles that prevent PWDs from casting their votes independently and without difficulty.
“We are not yet at a point of complete freedom for persons with disabilities when it comes to voting,” he lamented. “Despite the framework in place, there are still numerous barriers that make it difficult for PWDs to access polling units and exercise their franchise.”
One of the main challenges highlighted by Ihekwuaba is the physical inaccessibility of many polling stations. He noted that the presence of obstacles such as gutters, staircases, and uneven terrain poses significant challenges, particularly for individuals with physical disabilities who rely on wheelchairs, crutches, or other mobility aids.
“For a person using a wheelchair or crutches, navigating a polling unit with staircases or narrow pathways is an arduous task,” he explained. “We need polling stations that are strategically positioned and equipped to accommodate persons with disabilities, ensuring that they can cast their votes without stress or difficulty.”
Ihekwuaba’s comments serve as a reminder that while progress has been made, achieving true accessibility requires more than policy changes—it requires concrete action, structural adjustments, and a genuine commitment to inclusion.
Addressing Voter Apathy Among the Youth
Beyond issues of accessibility, Ihekwuaba also touched on the broader concerns surrounding voter apathy, especially among young voters. He observed that the actions of INEC during the previous general election in 2023 had a significant impact on the level of trust and enthusiasm among young voters in the current gubernatorial election.
According to Ihekwuaba, many young voters he spoke with expressed skepticism about the electoral process, citing their dissatisfaction with the results of the previous election. They felt that the votes they cast in 2023 did not reflect in the final results announced by INEC, which led to disillusionment and a sense of powerlessness.
“I had conversations with young voters who told me that their faith in the electoral process was shaken after the 2023 elections,” Ihekwuaba shared. “They felt that the outcomes announced by INEC did not reflect the will of the people, and as a result, they were hesitant to participate in this election.”
This widespread feeling of voter apathy, particularly among the youth, is a cause for concern, as it threatens the very foundation of Nigeria’s democracy. Ihekwuaba’s observations highlight the importance of transparency and credibility in the electoral process and underscore the need for INEC to take concrete steps to restore public confidence.
A Call for Transparency and Accountability
In his closing remarks, Paul Ihekwuaba issued a passionate call to INEC to demonstrate its commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections. He urged the electoral body to ensure that the results announced accurately reflect the will of the people, emphasizing that this is crucial for restoring faith in the democratic process.
“INEC has a duty to prove to the people that their votes count,” Ihekwuaba asserted. “The results announced must be a true reflection of the choices made by the electorate. This is not just about the current election; it’s about building trust and confidence in our democracy.”
He stressed that by ensuring transparency, accessibility, and accountability, INEC can help bridge the gap between citizens and the electoral process, making it more inclusive and representative of all segments of society, including persons with disabilities.
The Road Ahead: A Shared Responsibility
Ihekwuaba’s appeal to INEC serves as a timely reminder that the journey toward electoral inclusion is a shared responsibility that requires the collaboration of all stakeholders. While INEC plays a central role in ensuring an accessible and credible voting process, political parties, civil society organizations, and the general public must also play their part in advocating for a more inclusive electoral system.
The CEO of Global Hope and Justice for Persons with Disabilities concluded by reaffirming his commitment to working with INEC, OPDs, and other stakeholders to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are respected and protected in future elections.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward achieving true democracy, the voices of advocates like Paul Ihekwuaba remain instrumental in pushing for a system that leaves no one behind. The ongoing Edo gubernatorial election is not just a test of INEC’s ability to conduct a transparent election—it is an opportunity to demonstrate that Nigeria is ready to embrace an electoral process that is truly inclusive, accessible, and representative of all its citizens.
