2027: We’ll provide logistics to prevent disenfranchisement of PWDs in Anambra — INEC

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pledged to provide the necessary logistics and support to ensure that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are not disenfranchised during the 2027 general elections in Anambra.

The commission also promised to conduct free, fair, transparent, peaceful and credible elections across the state’s 21 local government areas, 326 wards and 5,720 polling units.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, Dr Queen Elizabeth Agwu, gave the assurance on Thursday during an INEC sensitisation programme on disability interventions involving PWDs, electoral officers and disability desk officers ahead of the 2027 elections in Awka.

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Agwu said the commission had introduced measures to make voting easier for persons with different disabilities, including those with visual and hearing impairments.

“Every point in time during elections, INEC is dishing out activities to make the electorate more comfortable and we are specific with people with disabilities. We have the braids, glasses and hand signals; any areas you fall into we have something to meet your elections requirements that’s easier for you and all those things are provided,” she said.

The REC explained that INEC had also made provisions to address accessibility challenges in communities with difficult terrain, adding that assistive devices, including magnifying glasses, were available to support voters with visual impairments.

She said the commission had established a practice of giving persons with disabilities priority when voting to enable them to exercise their franchise without unnecessary difficulties.

“We have made arrangements that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are not disenfranchised and they are allowed to vote when they disclosed the candidates they want to vote for and they are assisted to cast their votes. So that’s what we are doing here today to let them know that INEC is doing everything possible to make sure that they vote with ease, no scratches or blockades during the general elections,” Agwu said.

She urged persons with disabilities to remain confident, optimistic and actively involved in society, encouraging them to focus on their abilities rather than limitations.

The REC also called on the people of the South-East to build confidence in themselves and participate actively in the democratic process.

“Elections are not social media or television sets. Anambra elections have opened my eyes and I have told myself that I must hold a credible, free, fair, peaceful and transparent elections next year,” she said.

“Disability should not be a barrier. Persons with disabilities (PWDs) must participate and contribute meaningfully to the Democratic process, particularly at the grassroots levels.”

In his goodwill message, the Anambra State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Comrade Ugochukwu Ernest Okeke, urged INEC to strengthen its collaboration with the association and other disability stakeholders to address barriers that could prevent PWDs from voting.

Okeke called for joint assessments of polling units to identify accessibility challenges and ensure that appropriate assistive devices and support mechanisms were available before election day.

“We hope that working together, we can identify and access polling units that present accessibility challenges, explore practical adjustments where necessary and ensure that appropriate assistance devices and other support mechanisms are available and effectively deployed to meet the needs of voters with disabilities,” he said.

He added that sustained dialogue, joint assessments and timely interventions would help close existing gaps and improve the electoral experience of persons with disabilities in the state.

“Accessibility must be planned, inclusion must be implemented, and accountability must be demonstrated,” Okeke said.

He stressed that persons with disabilities had the right to register, vote, participate in electoral activities, and contribute to the country’s democratic development without discrimination.

Also speaking, the Anambra State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lady Ifeoma Evangeline Chijioke, commended INEC for engaging relevant stakeholders early in the preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Chijioke said credible elections require sustained preparation, public enlightenment, mutual trust and the collective commitment of stakeholders to democratic values, rather than efforts concentrated solely on election day.

She said the NOA would intensify voter education, promote peaceful political participation and encourage respect for electoral laws ahead of the polls.

According to her, an informed electorate is better equipped to make responsible electoral choices, resist manipulation and reject violence.

The NOA director also warned against the spread of misinformation and disinformation, particularly on social media, noting that false reports, fabricated election results and unverified allegations could undermine public confidence and threaten peaceful coexistence.

She urged media organisations, social media influencers, community leaders and political actors to verify information before sharing it and avoid disseminating content capable of inciting hatred or violence.

Chijioke further called on political parties and their supporters to conduct their activities within the law, warning against vote-buying, voter intimidation, electoral violence and hate speech.

She said elections should be contests of ideas, programmes and competence rather than occasions for hostility or the destruction of relationships within communities.

The NOA director noted that the responsibility for credible elections rested on all stakeholders, including INEC, security agencies, the media, political parties and civil society organisations.

She reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to support public enlightenment and grassroots mobilisation through its communication channels and collaboration with relevant institutions.

Chijioke said preparations for the 2027 elections should also provide an opportunity to strengthen integrity, tolerance, patriotism, accountability and respect for the rule of law.

She urged residents to participate peacefully in the electoral process, respect the choices of other voters and use lawful procedures to address grievances.

“Our task, therefore, is not only to prepare for an election, but also to prepare the electorate for responsible democratic participation,” she said.