To ensure no eligible voter is disenfranchised in the 2023 general elections, the Inclusive Friends Association, a non-Governmental Organization has made a strong appeal to the members of the public, INEC, and Security agencies to ensure easy access to polling stations for persons with disabilities (PWDs) during next year’s general election.
Stephen Idobo, Country Project Manager of the association in Nigeria, appealed to a stakeholder meeting in Sokoto, convened to create awareness on the need to ensure that PWDs exercise their rights to vote and be voted for.
“Polling stations on Election Day are usually crowded places, making it difficult for PWDs to exercise their franchise.
“The Association, a non-profit organization is focused on advocating for women and PWDs, that seeks to address the issues related to inclusion and participation of over 30 million PWDs, not only in politics, but also in all human endeavors through advocacy, research, and awareness campaign, to enhance the lives of such marginalized group of Nigerians,” Idobo said.
Also, INEC representative, Hajiya Aisha Muhammad said the Commission has provided the mechanism for PWDs to vote without difficulties.
Representatives of the State Police Commissioner, DSP Monica Enoch, and the Civil Defense, Deputy Commandant of the Civil Defense in Sokoto, Awoson Folake, assured the public that the two security agencies would work closely to ensure all PWDs are allowed to vote without difficulties.
