Maureen Okpe
With about eighteen days to the presidential election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), have assured Persons With Disability (PWD) of safety at the polls.
The commission gave the assurance on Thursday during the launch of The Albino Foundation Africa Election App at an Inter-Security Agencies training workshop on disability inclusive elections security, funded by the European Union(EU).
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, affirmed that Persons With Disabilities are a major population and have strong electoral strength, adding that, their right to vote and be voted for is one of the most visible gains in our growing democracy.
Yakubu, represented by the National Commissioner-in-charge of Southwest, INEC, Prof. Kunle Ajayi stated, the Commission understands that PWDs face several obstacles around key processes within the electoral and political process which tend to subtract their contributions towards development of the electoral and political landscape.
Ajayi noted that “While INEC has put in place the aforementioned plans and the disability framework towards providing a level playing field for the PWD community, other stakeholders, especially the security, in this case, also have very important contributions to make towards the actualization of a truly inclusive 2023 General Election.
“In the unfortunate incidence or occurrence of electoral violence, threat or intimidation, the PWDs are unfortunately the most vulnerable groups that may be most adversely affected. Hence, most of them shy away from the polls to safeguard themselves, which not only leads to voter apathy but significantly disenfranchises them.
“Very importantly therefore, we need you, the security agents, to appreciate and prioritise the safety and protection of PWDs in order to give them the confidence and courage to come out in mass to exercise their franchise on the election day.
Commissioner of Police in charge of election affairs, Basil Idegwu, said that the personnel of the Police Force will avail PWDs maximum security as they go to cast their ballots.
Idegwu said “In 2021, a PWD desk was established in all Zonal and state offices across the federation.
“The current security situation in various parts of the country constitutes a security threat to the 2023 general election.
“It requires a robust strategy to deal with, while we work with the PWDs in ensuring that their safety is prioritised.”
Earlier in his welcome address, Chief Executive Officer, TAF, Jake Ekpelle, said insecurity is primarily responsible for voter apathy, hence the need for security personnel to tell voters on election day.
Ekpelle charged security agencies to provide maximum security for PWDs before, during and after the election.
He said “The greatest problem in the community with PWDs is voter apathy. People are afraid to get involved in the election process because of insecurity which is the greatest factor responsible for voter apathy.
“The current security situation in various parts of the country constitutes a security threat to the 2023 general election.
“It requires a robust strategy to deal with, while we work with the PWDs in ensuring that their safety is prioritised.”