Ondo: INEC sensitises PWDs, assures of inclusion in 2027 elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ondo State of full inclusion in the 2027 General Elections.

Dr Mutiu Agboke, state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), gave the assurance on Wednesday in Akure at a sensitisation on intervention for PWDs in electoral process.

Agboke explained that the workshop was aimed at engaging PWDs directly, understanding their challenges during elections, and strengthening collaboration to ensure their active participation in the electoral process.

The REC also said the commission was committed to ensuring that no eligible voter was disenfranchised on the basis of disability, while INEC had put measures in place to ensure the accessibility of polling units.

According to him, the mandate of INEC is to always ensure that room is created for inclusivity of all class of people, individuals, or groups who are supposed to have access to electoral activities, and must not be denied.

“Meanwhile, PWDS are major community members of our voting population that we must create accessibility for.

“So, I want to assure the PWDs that INEC will create a level playing field, not just rhetorical, a level playing field that will be seen on election day.

“Even before the election, we will make accessibility easy for them to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC).

“On election day, our staff will be friendly with them, security operatives will not discriminate against them, they will not be harassed or threatened in anything,” he said.

The REC, therefore, said the commission would always have engagement and re-engagement with a view to reenacting the PWDs being part of the electoral process.

Also, Mrs Dorothy Lakunuya Bello, Director, Gender and Inclusivity, Abuja, represented by Mojisola Awelewa, said PWDs would not be disenfranchised during the forthcoming election.

Bello said there was priority voting, especially for PWDs, elderly people, pregnant women and nursing mothers to ensure they cast their votes without stress.

“The commission has made a provision for three major assisting materials for the visually impaired persons, hearing impaired and Albinism.

“We have Braille ballot guide for the visually impaired, magnifying glasses for Albinism and pictorial poster for hearing impaired persons to ensure they cast their votes without difficulties,” she said.

Similarly, Mr Abiodun Samuel, Ondo State Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disability, commended INEC for promoting an inclusive democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections in the country.

Samuel praised the commission for ensuring the continuity of priority voting given to PWDs, and promised the support of the PWD community for INEC’s efforts at deepening democracy through inclusive elections.

“We are happy for the level of preparedness INEC has put in place, especially intructional materials needed by PWDs to cast their votes during the election,”

“We also laud the commission for the assurances given to us that we will not be intimidated and our votes will count during the election,” he said.

It was reported that the commission also engaged with Electoral Officers (EOs) and Disability Desk Officer in the state ahead of the 2027 General Elections.