INEC Promises Inclusive 2027 Elections for Persons With Disabilities

By Trending9ja Staff • November 2, 2026 • 1 min read

The Independent National Electoral Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating physical, procedural, and communication obstacles that hinder Persons with Disabilities from voting in the 2027 general elections, Punch reported.

According to the report, Gombe State Resident Electoral Commissioner Umar Gajiram delivered this assurance at a specialized sensitisation workshop conducted inside Hajiya Amina Inuwa Gombe Hall. The state administrative secretary, Fadimatu Bakari, represented the commissioner at the event. Gajiram stressed that every Nigerian citizen has an equal right to take part in electoral processes, irrespective of whether they have hearing, visual, or physical impairments.

To boost participation, the electoral body is enhancing access to polling locations, providing assistive voting equipment, and training its field staff while partnering with various advocacy groups. Gajiram highlighted that putting these interventions in place is insufficient unless they are effectively executed during voting. He added that the workshop served as a venue for disability desk staff, electoral officers, and disability representatives to highlight lingering challenges and work out practical solutions before the next major polls.

The electoral chief maintained that facilitating participation for voters with special needs is a basic right rather than an act of charity. He stated that the commission envisions an election where wheelchair users can easily reach voting booths and visually impaired individuals receive needed assistance. Punch added that Bukar Maikwada, an assistant director for youth at the commission's headquarters, noted that the initiative was organized to reinforce inclusive electoral practices across the nation.

Sources: Punch