FIC REPORT (NASARAWA STATE) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pledged to ensure that persons with disabilities (PWDs) enjoy equal opportunities to participate in the 2027 general elections in Nasarawa State.
Mallam Mohammed Abubakar-Sadiq, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, gave the assurance in Lafia at a sensitization workshop on disability inclusion, accessibility and interventions for PWDs, electoral officers and disability desk officers.
Abubakar-Sadiq said the credibility of the 2027 general elections would depend not only on the number of people who voted but also on ensuring that every eligible citizen was given the opportunity to vote and have their votes counted.
He said the exclusion of any eligible voter on the grounds of disability would undermine the country’s democratic process.
The REC said INEC’s inclusion policy and the Electoral Act, 2026, provided for necessary assistance to PWDs, adding that the Commission was committed to protecting their rights to participate as voters, candidates and election observers.
He assured participants that INEC would work to ensure polling units were accessible and that PWDs received priority attention and assistance during voting.
Abubakar-Sadiq said electoral officers from the state’s 13 Local Government Areas, alongside disability desk officers and other relevant officials, were participating in the workshop to strengthen their capacity to support PWDs during elections.
He explained that the workshop would enable the Commission to obtain feedback on the experiences of PWDs during the 2023 general elections, identify gaps and develop practical measures to improve their participation in 2027.
The REC urged participants to engage openly with electoral officials, identify challenges and suggest solutions to improve electoral services for PWDs.
Earlier, Hajiya Safiya Garba, INEC’s Head of Department, Voter Education, Gender, Publicity and Inclusion in Nasarawa State, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to protecting the electoral rights of PWDs.
Garba said the workshop was designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of the rights of PWDs and promote their participation as voters, candidates and election personnel.
She said that INEC was working to address barriers faced by PWDs throughout the electoral process, from voter registration and education to participation in elections.
According to her, the initiative was guided by the Electoral Act, 2026, the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, INEC’s framework on access and participation, and international best practices.
Garba said the Commission had support materials, including Braille ballot guides, written instruction posters for hearing-impaired voters, magnifying glasses, Braille voter education materials, jingles, flyers and posters, to facilitate participation by PWDs.
She urged electoral officers to ensure that the materials reached the intended beneficiaries and were properly utilized.
Garba also called for stronger collaboration among INEC, the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to improve voter education and compliance with electoral guidelines.
Also speaking, Abdullahi Hudu-Baba, Nasarawa State Chairman of JONAPWD, commended INEC for involving PWDs in its activities and providing support to enhance their participation in the 2027 general elections.
Hudu-Baba appealed to the Commission to engage more PWDs as ad hoc staff for the elections.
ARI, LIMAN AMINU.
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FIC, LAFIA.
