—As INEC pledges inclusive participation for PWDs ahead of the November 8 governorship poll
In a passionate push to promote electoral inclusion and participation of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, The All Rights Foundation Africa (popularly known as TAF Africa) has rolled out a statewide sensitization campaign aimed at reducing voter apathy and fostering active engagement of PWDs and other vulnerable groups in the electoral process.
The initiative, tagged “ABLE2VOTE – Voter Education Campaign to Reduce Voter Apathy and Promote the Mainstreaming of PWDs in the Electoral Process,” was officially launched this week in Onitsha, the commercial hub of Anambra North Senatorial District. The event drew participants from across the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State Chapter, civil society groups, electoral officials, and the media.
A Campaign for Confidence and Civic Courage
Speaking at the event, TAF Africa’s Senior Communication Officer, Lynn Agwuncha, stated that the campaign is being conducted simultaneously across the three senatorial zones of Anambra—Awka (Central), Onitsha (North), and Nnewi (South)—to ensure broad reach and grassroots impact.
According to Agwuncha, the essence of the campaign is not partisan advocacy but civic empowerment.
“We are not here to campaign for any political party or candidate. Our mission is to empower PWDs and other vulnerable persons in Anambra with the knowledge, confidence, and civic motivation to exercise their franchise freely—without fear of stigma, harassment, or intimidation. Everyone deserves a voice at the ballot box,” she declared.
She further appealed to political parties and candidates contesting in the upcoming election to go beyond tokenism and mainstream disability inclusion in their campaign strategies, policies, and voter engagement efforts.
INEC Reaffirms Commitment to Disability Inclusion
In a show of support, the Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, lauded TAF Africa for championing the rights of PWDs. Represented by the Commission’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Ugonma Julianna, Dr. Agwu reiterated INEC’s dedication to ensuring accessible, inclusive, and equitable elections.
“The Commission is taking reasonable and deliberate steps to support the participation of persons with disabilities, special needs, and vulnerable persons. From providing braille and large print materials to deploying sign language interpreters and exploring off-site voting where necessary—we are working to leave no one behind,” she assured.
Mrs. Julianna also emphasized that the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) process will be designed to accommodate the needs of PWDs, reaffirming INEC’s resolve to uphold the principles of inclusion in Nigeria’s electoral system.
PWDs Demand More than Promises
Also speaking at the sensitization programme, George Anwayi, TAF Africa’s Senior Programme Officer and a person with a disability himself, called attention to the lived realities of Nigeria’s over 30 million PWDs.
“Despite being a significant demographic, with about 65 percent of us of voting age, PWDs in Nigeria continue to face abuse, stigma, discrimination, and systemic exclusion—often beginning in childhood. Elections should not be one more space where we’re sidelined,” he said.
He noted that the initiative is designed to educate PWDs about their electoral rights and equip them with the tools to advocate for better inclusion.
“Our goal is to spark civic consciousness among PWDs, while also calling on stakeholders to adopt deliberate and sustainable measures that will enable our full participation in shaping governance at the grassroots and beyond,” Anwayi emphasized.
He cited the United Nations’ 2011 declaration that political participation is a fundamental pillar of democratic governance, rule of law, and social inclusion—a principle that must be extended to every Nigerian, regardless of physical ability.
Building a Truly Inclusive Democracy
The sensitization campaign by TAF Africa comes at a critical time when Nigeria’s democracy is facing growing concerns around voter apathy, electoral violence, and systemic exclusion of marginalized groups. By empowering PWDs to participate actively and confidently, the campaign is challenging stereotypes and breaking down barriers that have long hindered inclusion.
TAF Africa’s advocacy also aligns with the INEC Framework on Access and Participation of Persons with Disabilities in the Electoral Process, which seeks to institutionalize policies and practices that guarantee equal participation.
As political parties, civil society organizations, and electoral authorities gear up for Anambra’s November 2025 governorship election, the resounding message from the ABLE2VOTE campaign is clear: No voter should be left behind. No voice should be silenced. Democracy must be accessible to all.
With PWDs now better informed and mobilized, Anambra’s political landscape may well be on the verge of a new chapter—one where inclusion is not just a policy, but a practice.
