By Ovat Abeng
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Anambra State will give special consideration to Persons Living with Disabilities (PWLDs), during the 2027 General Elections in the state.
The State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, stated this while sensitising PLWDs, 21 Electoral officers (EOs) in the state and Disability desk officers, held at Jesse hotel in Awka, on Thursday.
Agwu reiterated that the commission under her watch, will conduct a free, fair, inclusive, transparent and credible election come 2027 in Anambra State.
“Admonishing the participants, the Commissioner urged the PWDs members to remain optimistic and confident during and after the election.
According to her, “we are all here today to sensitize members of PWDs, Electoral officers and Disability desk officers on the importance of the election and to build their confidence ahead of the polls.
“We want them to keep believing in themselves, believing in the Commission’s capacity in conducting a transparent election and believing in the sustainability of Nigeria democracy.
“I urged you all to work happily with me to conduct a free, fair and credible 2027 general election in Anambra State.
“The 2027 general election is our collective responsibility, so we must work cooperatively and in unity to make it a success,” the Commissioner advocated further.
She commended the PWDs for their continued punctuality whenever the Commission calls for their attention.
In his speech, the facilitator and the Assistant Director, Youth INEC Headquarters Abuja, Mr. Bukar Maikwada, said the commission has provided items called “assist devices” such as Three-ballot-guide, Magnifying glasses and EC30PWD poster for persons living with disabilities to enable them participate effectively in the electoral process.
According to him, INEC is an inclusive commission, that is why it always makes provision for persons with disabilities, to enable them cast their votes with ease during elections,
“On election day, we are going to have separate queues for the PLWDs and the elderly, so that as soon as they come, they will be attended to immediately,” Maikwada added.
In his goodwill message, the Anambra State Chairman of Joint National Association of Persons Living With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, commended INEC for carrying them along, by ensuring that they discharged their constitutional duties without any challenge.
He assured the commission that the Association would further step down the sensitization for members, to ensure all of them are well educated to cast their votes in the upcoming general election.
Okeke reaffirms JONAPWD’s commitment to partnering with INEC and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that no eligible voter with a disability is left behind.
Also in her goodwill message, the Anambra State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lady Ifeoma Chijioke Esq, urged the persons living with disabilities not to allow harassment and intimidation deprive them from exercising their civic right during the voting process.
