National Commission for Persons with disabilities (NCPWD), The Albino Foundation (TAF) and WRAPA have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together in enhancing the participation of Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the 2023 general elections.
The MOU was signed at the official launch of a nationwide campaign (Able2Vote) by The Albino Foundation to improve the participation of persons with disabilities in elections especially 2023 general elections.
The campaign is a project funded by the European Union and is aimed at voter’s education will enlighten the community of PWDs on the need to vote and be voted for.
The Director, Enforcement and Compliance, Barr. Ikem Uchegbulam said the essence of this conference is to keep Nigerians in tune with the project Able2Vote which is geared towards an inclusive general election in 2023 in the country.
“the NCPWD will always be on top of any initiative that will deepen disability inclusion in Nigeria, especially political inclusion, which is in line with the Nigeria Disability Act.
”We must strive to ensure that the provision of the Act as it relates to the political life of our community is complied with”
The NCPWD, Executive Secretary, Mr. James David Lalu in his speech at the event said that NCPWD is happy to sign the MOU and join this campaign for the involvement and inclusion of PWDs in the political process because of it will give PWDs visibility and voice.
“I urge PWDs to unite and champion the course and goals of PWDs. Without unity of purpose and efforts we will not be able to achieve much. So we need to collaborate and campaign to achieving the rights of PWDs.
He emphasized on the need for sign language interpreters at the polling units.
“It is my honour to acknowledge TAF in her efforts in promoting the inclusion for PWDs in Nigeria. TAF stands out among other organization in this course. From promoting the disability bill, to ensuring the signing of the Act, establishing the NCPWD and so on. These were achieved due to the collaborative efforts of TAF and other organisations in the disability community” he added.
President and Founder, The Albino Foundation, Mr. Jake Epelle in his remark appreciated the INEC for putting in place all apparatus for the 2023 general election for full inclusivity of PWDs.
He also acknowledged the EU for the sponsorship and partnership with the foundation in ensuring full voters education and enlightenment for PWDs during the campaign process and subsequent 2023 elections.
He advised PWDs to take advantage of the project and get involved in the electoral process in the country.
“With this project Able 2 Vote, we want to take the political process to the grassroot and every polling unit to ensure that PWDs are truly able to vote in the fort coming elections.
“The project Able 2Vote speaks for itself, it presents the community of PWDs as a very strong segment of the society. That in spite of our disability, we are able to get involved in a process as very vital as this.
“We are requesting INEC to follow us in this project and meet face to face with PWDS in the whole country as will be represented.”
“The campaign will take us to and engage all PWDs in the 6 geo-political regions of the country.
“TAF Program Manger, Ndifreke Ferdinand said “This project is aimed at ensuring the electoral process makes it possible for inclusion of the neglected and conventionally marginalized members of the society to have a meaningful voice in the political and electoral processes.
“In Nigeria, PWDs who are members of the poorest of the poor are usually overlooked and they struggle to have a voice in the society
“PWDs have constitutional rights and privileges to vote and voted for during elections.
“INEC has remained a strong advocate to ensure that PWDs are mainstreamed into the electoral process. They have taken steps to remove barriers and to ensure full participation in the processes.”
Mrs Saudatu Mahdi, the Secretary-General, Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) said the partnership between the commission, TAF and WRAPA was a good signal for Nigerians.
Mahdi said the partnership showed that citizens were willing and able to take up accountability and demand accountability, inclusion and gender equity because social inclusion is a must for democracy to be a good one for the citizens.
