The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced engagement with disability groups to boost the participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the 2027 general elections.
Representing INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, the Acting Chairman, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, said the engagement with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and cluster heads was timely as preparations for the elections gather momentum.
Gumus said INEC was committed to an electoral process that is inclusive, accessible and responsive to the needs of all eligible voters.
She said the Commission would adopt innovative voter education strategies, including disability-specific communication channels, radio, social media and other assistive formats.
INEC disclosed that its available data recorded 137,487 Persons with Disabilities, comprising 13,080 visually impaired persons, 9,299 hearing-impaired persons, 30,561 persons with albinism, 19,430 persons with physical impairments and 54,941 under other disability categories.
The Acting Chairman urged JONAPWD and OPDs to sensitise their members on voter registration, PVC collection, voting procedures and accessibility measures.
INEC’s Director of Gender and Inclusivity, Mrs Lakunuya Dorothy Bello, said measures already introduced include Braille ballot guides, magnifying glasses, the EC30 PWD form and sign-language interpretation during collation activities.
JONAPWD President, Abdullahi Aliyu Usman, commended INEC but called for broader consultations with disability stakeholders.
TAF Africa CEO, Jake Epelle, also urged INEC to improve polling-unit accessibility and strategic voter education.
The Commission said the outcome of the engagement would be replicated at the state level to ensure that agreed measures reach communities ahead of the 2027 elections.
