Group calls for disability-inclusive electoral security practices

TAF Africa, All-Rights Foundation, NSCDC, Election security. The All-Rights Foundation (TAF Africa) has called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to adopt and implement disability-inclusive security practices to strengthen the protection, safety and participation of persons with disabilities during electoral processes.

The group made the call at a two-day conference it organised in Abuja.

The event, held on Thursday and Friday, brought together stakeholders, including the European Union Ambassador, a representative of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Board Chairman of TAF Africa.

The programme focused on encouraging security institutions to integrate the needs and rights of persons with disabilities into electoral security arrangements, aiming to promote safer, more inclusive participation in elections.

Speaking at the event, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, said the event should strengthen accountable governance and the principle that every citizen should be able to participate in public life

“Democracy is measured by whether every eligible citizen can participate freely and safely and meaningfully without discrimination,” he said.

Mr Mignot noted that the NSCDC plays an important role in ensuring safe, peaceful elections, urging the corps to include disability concerns in its operational planning and personnel training.

He also highlighted challenges faced by persons with disabilities, including inaccessible electoral information, communication difficulties and intimidation.

Mr Mignot therefore urged the NSCDC to identify practical ways to include persons with disabilities in its security arrangements.

“A person with disabilities has the same right to political participation as every other citizen,” Mr Mignot said, adding that their right to vote and participate in electoral processes must be respected and protected.

The INEC chairman’s speech

Also speaking, INEC Chairperson Joash Amupitan, a professor, said election credibility depends on ensuring every eligible citizen can participate freely and safely without discrimination.

Mr Amupitan, who was represented by an INEC National Commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, stressed the need to provide reasonable assistance to voters with disabilities without affecting their independence in making electoral choices.

“The Independent Electoral Commission recognises that the credibility of elections is not measured merely by the conduct of voting, but also by the ability of every eligible citizen to participate freely and safely without discrimination,” he said.

Mr Amupitan said voters with hearing or visual impairments, and those with limited mobility, need different forms of assistance, including clear visual communication, directions, and accessible routes to polling areas.

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He also said the NSCDC’s role should complement, rather than duplicate, the responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.

He added that security personnel must be trained to communicate appropriately with people with different disabilities, and that risk assessments should be conducted before election day to identify inaccessible entry points, crowded polling areas, and potential communication difficulties.

Earlier, TAF Africa Board Chairman Vincent Anigbogu, a professor, said every Nigerian, including persons with disabilities, hasthe right to participate in the electoral process safely, independently, and with dignity.

Mr Anigbogu noted that internally displaced persons often face challenges such as insecurity, limited access to voter registration and polling facilities, inadequate information and difficulties with documentation.

“These challenges can discourage participation and undermine confidence in the electoral process,” he said.

He stressed that election security arrangements should consider displaced persons’ circumstances and provide appropriate, accessible support.

“It is therefore important that election security arrangements recognise the different circumstances of this group and provide appropriate, accessible and rights-based responses,” he said.

He added that security personnel played an important role in protecting vulnerable voters, as they often respond first when voters face threats, violence, intimidation, or emergencies at polling units.

“Security personnel are particularly important in addressing these challenges,” he said.