In a decisive move to address the persistent challenges faced by persons with disabilities,(PWDs), women and youth in Nigeria’s electoral process, stakeholders have called for reforms to address these challenges. This call was made during the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Electoral Reform Summit, organized by the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) on Wednesday in Abuja. The summit brought together key figures and organizations dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and transparent electoral system in Nigeria.
The Executive Director of the Inclusive Friends Association, Grace Jerry, opened the summit with a clear outline of the event’s key objectives. She highlighted the need for enhanced collaboration among CSOs involved in electoral reforms to ensure that their efforts are aligned and coordinated. Jerry emphasized the importance of addressing emerging issues in electoral reforms, particularly in areas such as security, electoral processes, and the judiciary, with a special focus on the challenges faced by youth, women, and PWDs. The summit also aimed to develop actionable solutions that promote a more inclusive and effective electoral process, ensuring comprehensive reforms.
“These objectives are both ambitious and necessary,” Jerry remarked. “They reflect a deep understanding of the current challenges in Nigeria’s electoral system and demonstrate a commitment to making the process more inclusive, transparent, and effective.”
A Unified Front for Electoral Reforms
The summit underscored the importance of collaboration among CSOs to strengthen electoral reforms. In his opening remarks, Mr. Jide Ojo, a board member of IFA, emphasized the need for unity among civil society groups working on electoral issues. “The purpose of this summit is to foster collaboration among CSOs engaged in electoral reforms, ensuring our efforts are coordinated and impactful,” Ojo stated. He also highlighted the critical need for open discussions on the Electoral Act reforms, particularly in addressing gaps in its implementation, which he described as essential for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and promoting inclusive elections.
The commitment to electoral inclusion was further echoed by Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities. Represented by Mr. Lanre Oloyede, Isa reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to ensuring that all Nigerians, especially PWDs, are included in the political and electoral processes. Isa’s goodwill message emphasized the vital role that CSOs play in advocating for inclusivity and urged them to intensify voter education, advocate for accessible infrastructure, and enhance collaboration to ensure a fair and inclusive electoral process.
Launch of Key Electoral Documents
One of the highlights of the summit was the launch of several key documents aimed at improving the electoral process for PWDs. These publications are seen as crucial steps towards a more inclusive and equitable electoral system in Nigeria. Among the documents launched were:
- The Summary of Reports of Nigeria’s 2023 General Election Report on Disability: This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the participation and challenges faced by PWDs during the 2023 General Election.
- Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024: This proposed bill seeks to amend the existing Electoral Act of 2022, with the goal of deepening inclusive practices for PWDs.
- Policy Brief on the Challenges of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria’s Electoral Process: This brief outlines the specific challenges faced by PWDs in accessing and participating in Nigeria’s electoral process and proposes solutions to address these issues.
- Analysis of the Electoral Legal Framework on the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria’s Electoral Process: This analysis offers an in-depth examination of the current legal framework governing elections in Nigeria, with a focus on how it addresses—or fails to address—the inclusion of PWDs.
These documents are expected to serve as essential tools for advocacy and reform, providing a roadmap for CSOs, government agencies, and other stakeholders to follow in the quest for a more inclusive electoral process.
Expert Insights on Electoral Reforms
Dr. Sam Oguche from the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) delivered a compelling presentation on the need for ongoing electoral reforms to address the challenges faced by PWDs in Nigeria. His analysis emphasized the importance of clear legislation on electronic transmission of results, which he described as a critical component of ensuring transparency and credibility in the electoral process.
Dr. Oguche also called for strengthening the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and enhancing voter education to ensure that all citizens, including PWDs, are adequately informed about their rights and the electoral process. He highlighted the need for early voting options, voter re-registration drives, and the imposition of heavy fines for frivolous election cases as measures that could significantly improve electoral participation and fairness.
One of the key points in Dr. Oguche’s presentation was the call for the inclusion of disability-disaggregated data in electoral planning and the use of sign language interpreters during result declarations. These measures, he argued, are essential for creating a more inclusive and credible electoral process in Nigeria.
A Thought-Provoking Panel Discussion
The summit’s panel session, anchored by Dengiyefa Angalapu from the Center for Democracy and Development (CDD West Africa), brought together a diverse group of experts and advocates who delved into critical issues related to electoral reforms. The panel featured distinguished speakers such as Suleiman Mande of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Amb-Dr Chikas Kumle of the Women Development Monitoring Initiative (WDMI), Mboho Eno of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Comrade Agbo Christian Obiora of The Qualitative Magazine, Faruk Ibrahim of Yiaga Africa, and Ife Olatunji-David from the Public and Private Development Center (PPCD).
The discussion focused on emerging challenges in the electoral process, particularly in the areas of security, the judiciary, and the declining participation of youth, women and PWDs in elections. The panelists emphasized the importance of grassroots education, stronger legislation, and greater accountability to address these issues. They also highlighted the challenges posed by misinformation and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on elections.
One of the key takeaways from the panel discussion was the urgent need for inclusive recruitment, data collection, and training of security operatives to ensure that the electoral process is not only secure but also accessible to all, including PWDs.
A Call to Action for Inclusive Electoral Reforms
As the summit drew to a close, there was a strong commitment from CSOs to work together towards engaging the judiciary, security agencies, legislators, and INEC in the ongoing efforts to achieve electoral reforms. These reforms are seen as essential to addressing the challenges faced by women, youth, and PWDs, thereby enhancing their participation in the electoral process and governance.
The CSO Electoral Reform Summit, supported by the National Endowment For Democracy (NED), stands as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey towards a more inclusive and equitable electoral system. By bringing together stakeholders from across the spectrum, the summit has laid the groundwork for meaningful reforms that will ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of their abilities, can fully participate in the democratic process.
