2027 Polls: The All- Rights Foundation Seeks Special Attention for Estimated 35m PWDs in Nigeria
The All-Rights Foundation (TAF Africa), a non-governmental organisation formerly known as The Albino Foundation, has called for special attention to the more than 35 million Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The Assistant Programme Manager of TAF Africa, Mr George Dominic, made the call on Monday in Ikere-Ekiti at the commencement of a week-long sensitisation programme organised under the organisation’s “Able2Vote” project.
Dominic said Nigeria currently had more than 35 million PWDs whose participation could not be ignored in a genuinely participatory democracy.
According to him, the isolation of PWDs over the years has continued to deny them their rightful participation in governance and, by extension, denied the country a large number of willing adult voters.
He said both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and governments at all levels must recognise that PWDs have the same rights as every other citizen.
“Canvassing inclusion of PWDs in elections is not just for the fun of it. Before and during elections, PWDs must be able to join political parties of their choice, access voting venues without stress and exercise their voting rights without hindrance,” he said.
Dominic urged INEC to ensure adequate provisions for persons with disabilities at polling units through the use of signs, human guides and interpreters, especially for persons with hearing impairment.
He noted that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act had already provided for the inclusion of PWDs in the electoral process, making discrimination against them unlawful.
According to him, PWDs should be given priority attention at polling units to enable them vote without unnecessary delays.
“In situations where they are denied such preferential treatment, they must be able to protest against every form of discrimination.
“Also, INEC must be courageous enough to engage PWDs as ad hoc staff and provide interpreters for them,” he said.
Africa is a non-profit organisation committed to promoting disability inclusion and advancing the rights and participation of PWDs and other vulnerable groups.
It was further reports that the community outreach campaign will hold in selected communities across Ekiti State, including Ilupeju-Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area on May 18; Otun-Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area on May 20; Ado North in Ado Local Government Area on May 20; and Ado West and Ado Central on May 22.
According to the organisers, the Able2Vote campaign is aimed at promoting inclusive political participation through grassroots voter education and civic engagement ahead of another electoral cycle in Nigeria.
They said the campaign was designed to empower citizens, particularly PWDs and other marginalised groups, with information on their electoral rights, democratic participation and the importance of inclusive governance.
The organisers added that the objectives of the campaign included promoting voter education and civic awareness, encouraging inclusive participation of PWDs in the electoral process, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and strengthening community engagement on democratic rights and responsibilities.