Persons with disabilities in Anambra state are ready to exercise their franchise in the gubernatorial election on 8th November, 2025.
They however identify non-availability of assistive materials by INEC as a factor likely to affect their participation.
The Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, (JONAPWD) Anambra State, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, stated this during an interaction between security agencies and PWDs in Awka.
The interaction was organized by TAF Africa, a Non-Governmental Organization championing disability inclusion.
According to him, PWDs under the JONAPWD umbrella appreciate inclusiveness as a matter of right and not charity.
Okeke said his members look forward to getting better attention and collaboration with security agencies during the November 8 election.
He said, “Members of JONAPWD are willing to participate fully as long as relevant authorities including INEC provide them with all the enablers provided for in section 55 of the Electoral Act 2022.”
In a remark, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Ikioye Orutugu, said plans are on to ensure that at least 5 security personnel are at every polling unit to ensure that persons with disability cast their ballot without hindrances.
The Commissioner, represented by the Operations Clerk of the Command, ASP Ndoma Akpo, said the Nigeria Police and other security agencies will provide adequate security for everybody including the PWDs.
He appealed to eligible residents to come out en masse and cast their votes for candidates of their choice on the election day.
“I assure you that you will do that without any fear of molestation or intimidation.”
For his part, the State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, also represented by the Head Election, Deputy Commandant Stella Onwuakaba, also promised to collaborate with sister agencies in providing security for PWDs at all the polling units across the state.
Earlier, the Communication Officer, TAF Africa, Lynn Agwuncha, said the NGO aims to ensure equitable access and supportive learning environment for all regardless of their disabilities.
Agwuncha said TAF Africa is advocating and supporting the review, development and implementation of inclusive laws and policies that protect the rights of PWDs across the country.
She noted regrettably that most state governments have not done much towards guaranteeing the rights of PWDs.
Agwuncha however commended the Anambra State Government for being one of the states championing the course of such persons by enacting the disability rights law in 2018.
