The Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for sustaining disability-inclusive initiatives aimed at improving the participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The commendation was made by IFA’s Chief Executive Officer, Grace Jerry, during an advocacy visit to the INEC Federal Capital Territory (FCT) office.
Jerry acknowledged over a decade of collaboration between both organizations and urged INEC to further strengthen inclusion measures ahead of the upcoming FCT Area Council Elections.
She emphasized the need for comprehensive training of election personnel, security agencies and political party agents on disability-related issues to improve sensitivity and election-day support for PWDs.
According to her, enhanced capacity building would ensure the effective deployment of priority voting procedures and assistive materials such as Braille Ballot Guides and other accessibility tools.
She also pledged IFA’s technical support in training ad-hoc staff and election stakeholders to improve access and participation of Persons with Disabilities during the elections.
Responding, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC FCT, Malam Aminu Kasimu Idris, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to prioritizing disability inclusion in election planning and implementation across the territory.
Meanwhile, INEC FCT Head of ICT, Festus Aisien, disclosed that 3,000 voters with disabilities have been registered in the FCT ahead of the Area Council Elections.
The meeting was attended by INEC management officials and representatives of the Inclusive Friends Association, during which IFA presented its 2023 General Election Report on PWD participation in Nigeria’s electoral process.
