“Their votes matter” — INEC vows to include PWDs in 2027 elections

INEC says it is strengthening measures, including Braille ballot guides and written instruction posters, to ensure persons with disabilities can take part in the 2027 elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to ensuring persons with disabilities (PWDs) are not excluded from the 2027 general elections, Punch reports.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Gombe State, Umar Gajiram, stated this on Monday through the Administrative Secretary, Fadimatu Bakari, at a sensitisation workshop on disability inclusion in Gombe.

Gajiram said, “Their votes matter, their voices matter, and their participation is important to the growth of our democracy.”

INEC’s Assistant Director, Youth, Bukar Maikwada, listed some of the commission’s interventions. They include Braille Ballot Guides for visually impaired voters, EC30 PWD Written Instruction Posters for deaf voters, and magnifying glasses for persons with visual impairment and albinism.

Maikwada said the commission’s commitment is anchored on Section 54 of the Electoral Act, 2026. He said, “This workshop is about moving from awareness to practical action.”