Towards ensuring that future elections in Nigeria are wholly inclusive, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has began preparation at ensuring that the over 25 million Nigerians with disabilities are catered to in the electoral process.
INEC during a capacity building workshop for its Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) Desk Officers, in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Friday, explained that the latter will be equipped to communicate in acceptable manners with Persons (Nigerians) With Disabilities.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Outreach and Partnership Committee, Dr Adekule Ogunmola expressed optimism that the implementers of its programmes on PWDs at all levels will come up with creative and useful ideas that will help deepen the participation of the latter community of Nigerians.
He added: “As preparations for the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states in 2018 and the general elections in 2019 father pace, the commission is fully committed to organize more trainings to help build the capacity of the PWDs Desk Officers, so as to help in addressing the challenges of integrating PWDs issues in the electiral process.
“In Nigeria, it is estimated that there are over 25 million men, women, and children with various forms of disabilities, which represents15 percent of our estimated population of 190 million. As a responsive institution, INEC appreciated the importance of inclusive electoral process, this, it’s commitment to open up the electiral space for citizens, including PWDs”.
Source: The Nation
