Stakeholders have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to review its framework on the access and participation of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The recommendation emerged on Wednesday from a meeting reflecting on the findings of the Political Inclusion Index, a rapid assessment of how well election stakeholders are complying with the Electoral Act and other laws.
The laws are aimed at guaranteeing the inclusion of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria’s political and electoral processes.
The report was released in 2024 by The Albino Foundation (TAF) Africa in collaboration with the European Union (EU).
Giving an overview of the report, Omojo Adaji, a consultant, noted that the current framework, launched in 2018, had been applied in two election cycles and was now due for review.
She said updating it was essential to incorporate international best practices, technological advancements, and the evolving needs of PWDs.
“It will ensure compliance with international standards, integrate feedback from PWDs and other stakeholders, and enhance accessibility measures, making the electoral process more inclusive and user-friendly,” Adaji said.
The report also recommended that political parties adopted disability quotas to ensure representation of PWDs in political offices and decision-making roles.
It urged the media to improve content accessibility through closed captions, sign language interpretation, and audio descriptions.
In addition, the report emphasised the importance of regular training for security personnel on disability rights and inclusion.
“This is necessary because of the frequent turnover of personnel between election cycles.”
Mr Zissimos Vergos, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, described the report as a tool to help Nigeria advance social justice.
He lauded the achievements of PWDs in politics, culture, sports, media, and science, calling such progress “the highest form of social justice.”
He expressed hope that the report would be considered at the highest levels of political leadership.
Mr Jake Epelle, Founder of TAF Africa, said the index was created to ensure that PWDs were empowered to take on leadership roles within political parties.
“If they are not strong internally and democratically, we cannot be strong nationally or sub-nationally.
“Running an exclusive party structure is a sure way to be voted out.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Political Inclusion Index was compiled through a nationwide survey involving political parties, INEC, the media, and security forces.
The session was convened to share the findings with political stakeholders and encourage steps toward inclusive political participation.
Participants included representatives from major political parties, civil society organisations, the National Commission for PWDs, and leaders from the disability community.(NAN)
