The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring inclusive electoral participation, particularly for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), ahead of the 2026 governorship election scheduled for August 15.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, made this known on Tuesday during a sensitisation and awareness programme organised by the INEC headquarters in Abuja and held in Osogbo. The engagement focused on the devolution of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise to Registration Areas across the state.
Agboke described the initiative as a critical step towards ensuring that no eligible voter is excluded from the democratic process, emphasising that the disability community remains an integral part of Nigeria’s democracy.
“Democracy thrives when every citizen, regardless of physical condition, has equal opportunity to participate in choosing leaders and shaping governance,” he stated.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner explained that the decentralisation of the CVR exercise from local government offices to the ward level was designed to bring voter registration closer to the people, particularly individuals who may face mobility challenges.
According to him, the initiative will enable first-time voters who have attained the age of 18 to register more conveniently, while also allowing previously registered voters to transfer or update their details without the burden of travelling long distances.
Agboke further noted that the sensitisation programme was aimed at equipping Persons With Disabilities with adequate knowledge about registration procedures and encouraging their active participation in the forthcoming governorship election.
He disclosed that the Commission would deploy assistive devices such as Braille ballot guides, magnifying glasses, large-print materials, and priority voting arrangements to support voters with disabilities on election day.
“In addition, trained poll officials will be available to provide necessary assistance, while relevant forms will be deployed to capture data and support voters requiring help at polling units,” he added.
In a goodwill message, the Osun State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Adebiyi Adefarasin Stephen, described the initiative as timely and essential to promoting inclusive democracy.
He emphasised that Persons With Disabilities are an important part of society and that their full participation in the electoral process must be actively encouraged and supported.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Osun State, Steven Oluwakemi, commended INEC for its efforts to enhance inclusive participation in elections.
Oluwakemi stressed that voting remains a fundamental right for every Nigerian, regardless of disability status, and called for the expansion of accessibility measures, adequate deployment of assistive materials, and continuous training of electoral personnel.
“Inclusion is not a privilege but a right, and we are ready to partner with INEC to build a barrier-free democracy for all residents of Osun State,” he said.
The programme attracted participation from disability groups, civil society organisations, electoral officials, and other key stakeholders.
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