By TQM News,
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to promoting inclusive and accessible elections by ensuring that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) actively participate in every stage of the electoral process in Nasarawa State.
The assurance was given by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Nasarawa State, Mallam Mohammed Abubakar-Sadiq, during a courtesy visit by officials of the Nasarawa State Disabilities Rights Commission at the commission’s office in Lafia on Tuesday.
The visit provided an opportunity for both institutions to strengthen collaboration on improving electoral accessibility and eliminating barriers that often prevent persons with disabilities from fully exercising their constitutional right to vote.
Speaking during the meeting, Abubakar-Sadiq emphasized that INEC remains committed to conducting elections that are inclusive, transparent, and accessible to every eligible Nigerian, regardless of disability.
According to him, inclusion is not merely a policy objective but a core principle guiding the commission’s electoral activities.
“We are for all, especially with inclusivity. We have high regard for persons with disabilities and give them priority attention in all our activities,” the REC stated.
He explained that the commission has consistently introduced measures aimed at making the voting process easier and more convenient for persons with different forms of disabilities.
Among the assistive materials deployed by INEC are magnifying lenses to support voters with albinism and low vision, as well as Braille ballot guides designed to enable visually impaired voters cast their ballots independently and confidentially.
Abubakar-Sadiq noted that these assistive devices reflect INEC’s determination to remove obstacles that could discourage persons with disabilities from participating in elections.
He, however, stressed that achieving full electoral inclusion requires strong collaboration with disability-focused institutions and organizations.
The REC called on the Nasarawa State Disabilities Rights Commission to provide accurate information on communities and polling areas where persons with disabilities reside. According to him, such data would enable the electoral body to effectively distribute assistive voting materials to polling units where they are most needed.
He explained that better coordination between both agencies would not only improve logistics but also ensure that no eligible voter with a disability is left behind during elections.
The visit also underscored the growing importance of partnerships between electoral institutions and disability rights agencies in advancing inclusive democracy in Nigeria.
Electoral accessibility has remained a major concern for disability advocates, who have repeatedly called for improved physical access to polling units, adequate voter education in accessible formats, availability of sign language interpreters where necessary, and the deployment of assistive technologies that guarantee independent voting.
INEC has, over the years, introduced several disability-friendly initiatives in line with the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 and its commitment to ensuring equal participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The renewed commitment by the Nasarawa State REC is expected to boost the confidence of persons with disabilities and encourage greater participation in future elections, while reinforcing the principle that democracy is only meaningful when every citizen has an equal opportunity to participate without discrimination.
As Nigeria continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, stakeholders believe that sustained collaboration between INEC, disability commissions, civil society organizations, and disability advocates will be crucial in building an electoral system that is truly inclusive, accessible, and representative of all citizens.
#InclusiveElections #DisabilityInclusion #INEC #NasarawaState
