Election observer calls for stronger INEC oversight to guarantee equal participation for voters with disabilities
By The Qualitative Magazine
The 2026 Osun State Governorship Election has once again highlighted the importance of making Nigeria’s electoral process accessible to all citizens, as the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) identified both progress and persistent accessibility gaps affecting Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) at polling units across the state.
On 15 August 2026, CCD, through its Campaign for Equal Voting Access for Persons with Disabilities (EVA4PWDs), in partnership with the Situation Room, deployed observers to Osun State to monitor the accessibility of polling units and assess the participation of voters with disabilities during the election.
Representing CCD in Osun State, Ms. Christiana Njoku, Programme Officer, observed polling activities and assessed the facilities and support provided to PWDs to enable them to participate effectively in the electoral process.
Accessibility gaps persist
According to the CCD, some polling units visited remained inaccessible to persons with disabilities, raising concerns about the ability of voters with mobility and other disabilities to exercise their franchise independently and with dignity.
The organisation also reported the absence of Form EC40H, a form used in the electoral process to document information relating to persons with disabilities, at some polling locations.
Among the locations where the absence of the form was recorded were:
- Olorunda Local Government Area, Agowande Ward, Polling Unit 20, BCGA 003
- Olorunda Local Government Area, Agowande Ward, Open Space Ajibade Polling Unit
The CCD said such gaps require urgent attention if Nigeria is to achieve a truly inclusive electoral system.
Not all the news was negative
Despite the challenges, the election observation also recorded several positive measures aimed at improving the participation of PWDs and other vulnerable voters.
The CCD observed that canopies were provided at some polling locations, while priority was given to persons with disabilities and elderly voters.
The organisation also noted the presence of signage for deaf voters and security personnel at polling locations visited.
These measures, according to the CCD, demonstrate that targeted interventions can make a significant difference in enabling persons with disabilities to participate in elections.
CCD calls for stronger INEC oversight
While acknowledging the positive developments, the organisation called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen its oversight and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that accessibility provisions are consistently implemented across polling units.
The CCD stressed that accessibility should not depend on the location of a polling unit or the discretion of individual electoral officials.
For persons with disabilities, accessible polling infrastructure, appropriate information, priority arrangements and other reasonable accommodations are essential components of the right to vote.
Commitment to inclusive democracy
The CCD reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to promote citizens’ participation and strengthen democratic processes, particularly for persons with disabilities.
Through initiatives such as EVA4PWDs, the organisation said it will continue to monitor electoral processes, identify barriers and advocate for measures that guarantee meaningful participation for PWDs.
The Osun election has therefore provided another opportunity to assess how far Nigeria has come in building an inclusive electoral system—and how much more needs to be done.
An election can only truly be described as inclusive when every eligible voter, regardless of disability, can enter the polling unit, access the necessary support and cast their vote freely, safely and with dignity.
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