Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Rivers State have formally presented a seven-point communiqué to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling for comprehensive reforms to guarantee their full participation in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The communiqué was submitted during a visit to the INEC Rivers State office by a coalition of disability leaders and members, in partnership with the Stakeholders Democratic Network (SDN). The group protested what they described as persistent exclusion of persons with disabilities from voter registration, election processes, and political decision-making.
Leading the delegation, Barrister Prince Amuda Chigozie Thedos, representing the visually impaired community, said the engagement was aimed at drawing attention to systemic barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from meaningfully participating in elections. He stressed that PWDs are ready and willing to contribute to electoral planning and governance at both state and national levels.
Among their key demands, the group urged INEC to establish PWD desk offices in all 23 local government offices in Rivers State, staffed by qualified persons with disabilities. They also called for the inclusion of PWDs in voter education, Continuous Voters Registration (CVR), and election operations at ward and polling-unit levels to strengthen transparency and public trust.
The communiqué further raised concerns about election-related violence, urging INEC to collaborate with security agencies to train officers on safeguarding persons with disabilities before, during, and after elections. The group noted that electoral violence poses heightened risks to PWDs due to mobility and communication challenges.
The advocates also appealed to the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) to compel political parties to mainstream disability inclusion in their structures and leadership. They called on parties to sponsor and support candidates with disabilities and ensure their representation in decision-making processes.
In addition, the group urged the Rivers State House of Assembly to domesticate and fully implement the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, particularly provisions that guarantee political participation. They also recommended intensified public awareness campaigns through the National Orientation Agency (NOA), civil society groups, and traditional and religious institutions to promote disability inclusion.
The communiqué highlighted the urgent need for accessible polling units, including the provision of braille ballot guides, sign language interpreters, trained election officials, and the allowance of caregivers to assist voters with disabilities where necessary. The group also advocated early voting options and priority access for persons with mobility challenges.
Responding on behalf of INEC, the Administrative Secretary in Rivers State, Dr. (Mrs.) Angela Ebudari, commended the delegation for advocating their constitutional rights. She outlined existing INEC initiatives such as online CVR, priority registration for PWDs, and decentralised ward-level registration, while acknowledging gaps in the availability of assistive tools.
Dr. Ebudari assured the delegation that their concerns would be escalated to relevant authorities for further action.
The meeting ended with renewed calls from disability advocates for sustained engagement and concrete steps to ensure that persons with disabilities are fully included in Rivers State’s democratic and governance processes.
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