INEC confirms participation of 264,798 physically challenged voters

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that no fewer than 264,798 physically challenged persons will participate as voters in next year’s general elections across the country.

Chairman of the Commission, Joash Amupitan, rolled out the statistics in his opening remarks at the national strategy engagement with the executive members of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) on improved targeted inclusive sensitisation and mobilisation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) for increased turnout and participation in next year’s general elections.

Represented by a National Commissioner, Rhonda Gumus, the electoral umpire boss said that the engagement will provide an important platform to strengthen partnership, exchange experiences, identify existing challenges and agree on practical strategies to increase voter turnout and meaningful participation of PWDs in next year’s polls.

Breaking down the statistics, the Commission explained that the total number of Persons with Disabilities is 137,487, visually impaired: 13,080, hearing impaired: 9,299, Persons with Albinism: 30,561, Physical Impairment: 19,430, while other categories of disabilities are 54,941, totalling 264,798 physically challenged electorate.

“Today’s meeting reflects the Commission’s commitment to promoting an electoral process that is inclusive, accessible, participatory and responsive to the needs of all eligible citizens, including Persons with Disabilities. As we prepare for the 2027 general election, it is important that we strengthen our collaboration with JONAPWD, OPDs and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that no eligible voter is left behind. The participation of Persons with Disabilities in the electoral process is anchored on legal and policy framework,” the Commission noted.

“Total Persons with Disabilities: 137,487
Visually impaired: 13,080, hearing impaired: 9,299, Persons with Albinism: 30,561, Physical Impairment: 19,430, other categories of disabilities: 54,941. These figures further demonstrate the need for sustained and targeted engagement to ensure that Persons with Disabilities are adequately informed, mobilised and supported to participate throughout the electoral process.

“This engagement therefore provides an important platform for us to strengthen our partnership, exchange experiences, identify existing challenges and agree on practical strategies for increasing voter turnout and meaningful participation of Persons with Disabilities in the 2027 general election.

“This partnership between INEC, JONAPWD and OPDs is particularly important because disability inclusion cannot be achieved by the Commission alone. It requires the collective efforts of disability organisations, civil society organisations and, most importantly, PWDs themselves.

“As we deliberate today, I encourage participants to provide practical recommendations that will strengthen the Commission’s existing interventions and help address barriers relating to accessibility, information, communication, voting, participation as candidates and overall inclusion.

“I encourage all participants to engage actively, contribute openly, work together in a spirit of partnership and shared responsibility. The success of our collective efforts will depend on our ability to translate these discussions into concrete actions that can be implemented both at the national and state levels,” the Commission appealed.

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