Election

By Ibrahim Kado

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Adamawa has sensitised Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) on the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Muhammad Nura, said this at the inauguration of the exercise on Monday in Yola.

He said that persons with disabilities constituted an important part of the electorate, adding that the commission was geared toward ensuring an inclusive electoral process.

Nura said that the commission recognised the need to identify and address barriers to ensure that no eligible voter was left out.

“Our commitment to electoral inclusion requires continuous sensitisation, effective collaboration with disability organisations, and improved voter education. And the identification of reasonable measures to facilitate participation by voters with various forms of disability,” he said.

According to Nura, the commission is paying attention to the accessibility of polling units; availability of voter education materials in appropriate formats, and effective communication with voters with different forms of disabilities.

He said that the commission would deploy appropriate assistive devices in accordance with its procedures, to enhance support for different disability clusters.

Mr Aliyu Shaba, Head of Department, Voter Education, said that the exercise was designed to strengthen implementation of inclusive guidelines, voter education and mobilisation.

He said, “the workshop is about moving from awareness to practical action.

“As we prepare for the 2027 general election, let us strengthen our collective responsibility to ensure interventions reach those for whom they are intended,” he said.

Shaba highlighted that the exercise would strengthen capacity, improve implementation and ensure that eligible PWDs exercise their franchise.

Also, Sani Sabo, Chairman, Joined Association of Person with Disabilities, lauded the gesture.

Sabo, represented by his deputy, Dalhatu Muhammad, assured sensitisation of members to mobilise participation in the election. (NAN)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Rabiu Sani-Ali