The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), under its Campaign for Equal Voting Access 4 Persons with Disabilities (EVA4PWDs), in partnership with Situation Room, has monitored the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election, with a focus on the accessibility of polling units and the participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Representing CCD in Osun State, the organisation’s Programme Officer, Ms. Christiana Njoku, observed the electoral process across selected polling units to assess the provisions made for voters with disabilities and identify accessibility gaps that could hinder their effective participation.
The monitoring exercise revealed that some polling units visited were inaccessible to PWDs. CCD also observed the absence of Form EC40H, which is used to document voters with disabilities requiring assistance, at some locations, including Olorunda Local Government Area, Agowande Ward, Polling Unit 20, BCGA 003, and the Agowande Ward Open Space Polling Unit, Ajibade.
Despite the identified gaps, CCD noted some positive measures, including the provision of canopies, priority voting for PWDs and elderly persons, signages for deaf voters, and the presence of security operatives at polling locations.
The Centre called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen its oversight and monitoring functions to ensure that polling units are accessible and that necessary provisions are consistently made for PWDs during elections.
CCD reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to promote citizens’ participation, particularly among Persons with Disabilities, and to support efforts aimed at protecting and strengthening democratic processes in Nigeria.
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