A 2023 pre-election survey by Afrobarometer, a pan-African research network, found that 70 percent of respondents in Nigeria said they want a democracy. But little more than 1 in 4 registered voters in the country exercised their right to vote.
Some disability stakeholders have urged governments at all levels to make electoral activities accessible for people with disabilities (PWDs) ahead of the 2027 elections.
The stakeholders spoke at a town hall meeting held in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state, while reviewing the 2023 general election.
The meeting with community stakeholders in Akinyele and Ibadan north LGAs was organised by SOS Children’s Village, an international charity organisation.
Musa Akinsawe, the assistant secretary of the Joint Association of National Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), emphasised the need to improve access for PWDs, plan for them, and involve them during election time.
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He laid emphasis on reorientation for electoral officers and continuous voter education.
“Part of what we are clamouring for is accessibility to electoral venues and convenience in voting,” he said.
“Elections for people living with disabilities must be easily accessible. The ballot box must be where PLWDs can vote without being assisted by anyone.”
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