By Agbo Christian Obiora
In a bold move to enhance electoral accessibility and ensure the full inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs), especially persons affected by leprosy, The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) has launched a groundbreaking project. The initiative, supported by the MacArthur Foundation through the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), is set to tackle long-standing barriers preventing persons with leprosy from exercising their voting rights.
The project, titled “Electoral Accessibility and Inclusion for Persons with Leprosy and Disabilities,” was officially introduced during an inception meeting on Monday, where key stakeholders gathered to deliberate on its implementation and impact.
Addressing a Long-Neglected Issue
Speaking at the event, Mr. Pius Ogbu Sunday, Head of Programmes and Operations at TLMN, provided insight into how the organization became involved in electoral inclusion for PWDs. He explained that TLMN’s journey into advocating for inclusive elections stemmed from a pressing concern raised by the Yangoji leprosy colony in Abuja.
“The community we serve, persons affected by leprosy, voiced their frustrations over being denied voter registration due to stigma and procedural barriers set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), particularly concerning biometric capturing,” he stated.
According to him, despite previous interventions, the challenge persists, requiring innovative solutions and systemic changes to ensure a permanent resolution. This pressing need led to JONAPWD recognizing TLMN’s efforts and securing a grant from the MacArthur Foundation to scale up their work in promoting inclusive electoral processes.
A Pioneering Pilot Project
Mr. Sunday revealed that the six-month pilot project is designed to establish best practices that could be expanded beyond the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). “This is not just about a short-term fix; if successful, this project has the potential to escalate into a national intervention, shaping the future of electoral participation for persons with disabilities, particularly persons affected by leprosy,” he emphasized.
He further stressed that the project’s success depends on multi-stakeholder collaboration, bringing together key partners such as JONAPWD, INEC, the Yangoji and Karmajiji communities, and other advocacy groups.
INEC Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Elections
During the meeting, Mrs. Dorothy Bello, Director of Gender and Inclusion at INEC, reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to ensuring free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections in Nigeria.
“In line with the Nigerian Constitution, which prohibits discrimination, as well as the Electoral Act and the National Disability Act, INEC remains committed to eliminating barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from participating in elections,” she said.
She also highlighted the commission’s past efforts in collaboration with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to develop a Framework on Access to Electoral Processes by Persons with Disabilities. This framework has led to significant improvements, including:
- Establishing accessible polling units
- Implementing priority voting for PWDs
- Providing assistive voting materials to support persons with disabilities during elections
Mrs. Bello assured attendees that INEC will continue working with stakeholders to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of ability, has an equal opportunity to exercise their voting rights.
Communities Express Gratitude, Share Challenges
Representatives from the Yangoji and Karmajiji communities took the opportunity to commend TLMN for its unwavering support. They recalled the organization’s past interventions, including:
- Provision of assistive devices for persons with disabilities
- Livelihood support programs to improve economic opportunities
- Advocacy efforts that have influenced government policies in favor of their communities
However, they also shared their ongoing struggles in accessing the electoral process. Many community members face stigmatization, bureaucratic barriers, and technological limitations, particularly with biometric voter registration and verification.
Expressing optimism, they voiced their belief that this new project—especially with INEC’s involvement—would finally address these challenges and pave the way for true electoral inclusion.
What the Project Entails
The Electoral Accessibility and Inclusion project will be implemented through various strategic activities, including:
- Community awareness campaigns to educate persons with leprosy and disabilities about their electoral rights
- Media advocacy to amplify the voices of marginalized groups and push for policy reforms
- Stakeholder engagement to drive systemic changes in election administration
Mr. Aderibigbe Oluwasola, the JONAPWD representative, pledged the association’s full support for the initiative, commending TLMN for its leadership in advancing disability inclusion.
A Step Toward a More Inclusive Democracy
The launch of this project marks a critical milestone in the fight for electoral justice and inclusion for persons with disabilities in Nigeria. As the six-month pilot phase begins, all eyes will be on its impact—will it break the cycle of exclusion, or will systemic barriers persist?
For now, one thing is certain: with TLMN, JONAPWD, INEC, and the affected communities working together, the journey toward an inclusive electoral process for all Nigerians, regardless of ability, is well underway.
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