INEC: Disability, Insecurity Must Not Deny Nigerians Right to Vote
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said no eligible Nigerian should be prevented from exercising their voting rights because of disability or insecurity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made the call on Friday during a technical engagement on disability-inclusive election security and protection protocols in Abuja.
Amupitan urged the police and other security agencies to strengthen collaboration with the commission to ensure safe and inclusive participation in the electoral process.
He stressed that every eligible citizen should be able to vote freely and safely without discrimination, intimidation or harassment.
The INEC chairman called on security agencies to incorporate the needs of persons with disabilities into election planning, personnel training and security deployment.
He also emphasised the need to ensure that polling units are accessible and that threats to voters are addressed promptly.
Amupitan further advocated stronger cooperation among INEC, security agencies and organisations representing persons with disabilities to protect voters throughout the electoral process, from voter registration to the post-election period.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to addressing barriers that could prevent eligible Nigerians from participating in elections.
The engagement comes as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections, with concerns over insecurity and access to polling facilities remaining important issues in ensuring inclusive electoral participation.
INEC said its efforts would focus on ensuring that disability, security challenges and avoidable institutional barriers do not deprive eligible Nigerians of their constitutional right to vote.
