The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to removing barriers preventing persons with disabilities (PWDs) from participating fully in the 2027 general elections.
The Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Ayobami Salami, gave the assurance at a sensitisation programme for persons with disabilities, electoral officers and disability desk officers in Lagos on Monday.
Represented by the Administrative Secretary, Mrs Oluyemi Adeyemi-Showunmi, Salami said electoral inclusion required more than physical access to polling units, stressing the need for voters to participate independently, safely and with dignity.
He said INEC would continue reviewing its procedures, facilities, communication methods and operational arrangements to ensure eligible voters were not disadvantaged by disability.
According to him, planned interventions include Braille ballot guides, accessible voter education materials, posters for deaf voters, magnifying glasses for people with visual impairments and albinism, and certified sign-language interpreters at state collation centres.
Salami urged electoral officers to understand the needs of different disability groups and ensure assistive devices were available, functional and properly deployed.
He also called for greater collaboration with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
The commission cited a national register containing 232,658 registered voters with disabilities across 10 categories.
JONAPWD Lagos State Chairman, Mr Lukman Salami, welcomed the initiative but urged INEC to translate its commitments into practical action.
INEC officials said continued training, accessible voter education and improved operational planning would be essential to achieving inclusive elections.
