The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Yobe State has intensified collaboration with disability organisations and electoral stakeholders to strengthen the participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the 2027 General Election.
The initiative was highlighted during a state-level sensitisation and inclusive electoral workshop organised by INEC Yobe on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Commission’s State Office Conference Hall along KM6 Gujba Road, Damaturu.
Representing the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmad Maaji, MNI, the Administrative Secretary, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, said an inclusive electoral process must guarantee every eligible Nigerian the opportunity to participate in elections without discrimination.
He stressed that disability inclusion goes beyond providing physical access to polling units, noting that deliberate measures are needed to address physical, communication, institutional and attitudinal barriers throughout the electoral cycle.
In her goodwill message, the Acting State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Yobe State, Hajiya Maryam Usman Shettima, commended INEC for organising the workshop, describing it as timely and essential to ensuring that no Nigerian is excluded from the democratic process.
She cited estimates attributed to the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), in collaboration with the National Population Commission, indicating that PWDs account for approximately 15 per cent of Nigeria’s population, representing about 35 million people.
She called for accessible polling units, appropriate electoral support services and an enabling environment that would allow PWDs to exercise their voting rights independently and without discrimination.
Shettima also reaffirmed NOA’s commitment to incorporating disability awareness and inclusion into its public enlightenment programmes, particularly as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
The workshop featured presentations on INEC’s disability inclusion policy, accessibility measures and assistive interventions, alongside practical demonstrations and discussions on their effective deployment.
INEC headquarters representative, Malam Yunusa Zubairu, outlined the objectives of the engagement, including strengthening awareness of disability rights, improving electoral accessibility, building capacity for the use of assistive materials and promoting inclusive voter education.
Participants were also briefed on electoral procedures for the 2027 General Election and technological innovations, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
The Yobe State Chairman of JONAPWD, Alhaji Yawudima Barma, appreciated INEC for the initiative and expressed satisfaction with the attention given to disability-related issues in the state.
Participants pledged to disseminate the knowledge and messages from the workshop to their respective organisations, disability clusters and communities.
The engagement brought together INEC officials, Electoral Officers, Disability Desk Officers and representatives of disability organisations, with a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration and promoting a more accessible, inclusive and participatory electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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