AKURE, NIGERIA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its dedication to achieving a completely inclusive and accessible voting environment for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The assurance was given by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, during a targeted one-day sensitization workshop hosted in Akure. The session focused on specialized interventions and direct engagement with disability desk officers, electoral officials, and cluster leaders from various disability groups.
Breaking Down Barriers to the Ballot
Speaking at the event, Dr. Agboke made it clear that the commission is actively working to dismantle the operational and physical barriers that have historically hindered PWDs from voting.
“INEC is fully committed to ensuring that no eligible voter is disenfranchised on account of a disability,” Agboke stated. “We are optimizing polling units for physical accessibility and refining the collection process for Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to give our citizens with disabilities a seamless experience”.
The REC also announced that the commission has already mandated specialized training for permanent staff and security personnel. Under these new operational directives, all personnel deployed on election day will be expected to treat voters with disabilities with utmost priority and respect, ensuring a harassment-free environment.
Assistive Tech and National Frameworks
The push for total inclusion aligns with national mandates, including Section 54 of the Electoral Act 2026 and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.
To bridge the accessibility gap, INEC plans to deploy various assistive technologies across polling sites, including:
- Braille Ballot Guides and tactile materials for visually impaired voters.
- Magnifying Glasses to assist individuals with low vision and persons with albinism.
- EC30 PWD Posters and certified sign language interpreters to assist deaf and hearing-impaired voters.
Stakeholders Demand Action Over Paper Promises
Reacting to the development, the Ondo State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Mr. Oluwaranti Abiodun, commended the electoral umpire for prioritizing the community as preparations gather momentum.
However, Abiodun urged the commission to ensure that these strategic blueprints translate into actual physical readiness at the grassroots level when voting begins. He also asked that qualified, interested members of the PWD community be factored directly into recruitment streams for INEC ad-hoc polling staff.
“We are ready to perform our civic responsibilities,” Abiodun said, while urging his members to actively cooperate with ongoing INEC mobilization drives. “We just need the assurance that the field operations match the commitments made here today”.
