The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring greater participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the 2027 General Election.
The commission made this known at a National Strategy Engagement with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in Abuja.
The meeting focused on improving targeted sensitisation and mobilisation of PWDs to increase voter turnout and participation in the 2027 elections.
Representing INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, Acting Chairman and National Commissioner, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, said the engagement demonstrated the commission’s commitment to an electoral process that was inclusive, accessible and responsive to eligible voters.
She said stronger collaboration with JONAPWD, OPDs and other stakeholders was necessary to ensure that no eligible voter was left behind.
Gumus said the participation of PWDs was supported by Section 54 of the Electoral Act 2026 (as amended), the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 and INEC’s Framework on Access and Participation of Persons with Disabilities in the Electoral Process.
She disclosed that 137,487 PWDs had so far been captured in INEC’s records, 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 in other categories.
She said the figures underscored the need for sustained and targeted engagement to ensure that PWDs were adequately informed and supported throughout the electoral process.
The INEC chairman said the outcome of the engagement would be taken to the state and grassroots levels through Resident Electoral Commissioners, Electoral Officers and other officials.
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The Director of Gender and Inclusivity Department, Mrs Lakunuya Dorothy Bello, said PWDs remained an important constituency in ensuring a credible and inclusive democracy.
She identified access to voter information, voter education, mobilisation and accessible polling facilities as some of the challenges facing PWDs.
The Executive Director of Inclusive Friends Association, Grace Jerry, called for a coordinated mobilisation strategy involving OPD networks, accessible media, communities and digital platforms.
She also urged stakeholders to identify and address barriers to participation before the 2027 election.
JONAPWD National President, Comrade Abdullahi Aliyu Usman, commended INEC for its disability-inclusive policies but called for more frequent strategic engagements.
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Bar. Ayuba Gufwan Burki, also highlighted mobility challenges, limited access to assistive devices and restrictions during elections as barriers to participation.
Founder and CEO of TAF Africa, Jake Epelle, commended INEC’s priority voting arrangements for PWDs but called for improved accessibility at polling units and stronger grassroots mobilisation.
The engagement ended with the adoption of a communique outlining commitments and action points for stakeholders ahead of the 2027 General Election.
