The National Democratic Institute (NDI), has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the participation of People With Disabilities (PWDs) in the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State, southwest Nigeria.
The Institute’s Country Director, Steven Snook, gave the advice during a town hall meeting with PWDs Tuesday in Osogbo, the State capital.
Snook, who was represented by Osarodion Edosa, an NDI official, said the new Electoral Act had made statutory provisions for PWDs and charged INEC to comply making the election all-inclusive.
The director said that the institute intends to mobilize PWDs and through their numerical strength see to their inclusion in participatory governance in the nearest future.
“We want to see PWDs in governance in the nearest future. I believe that can be possible through their numbers by coming out to vote during elections.
“NDI wants to see your numerical strength, which will help to negotiate in occupying political positions in the future,” Snook said
In her welcome address, Grace Jerry, Executive Director, The Inclusive Friends Association, appreciated the NDI for its technical and financial assistance for the Access Nigeria Campaign.
Jerry, represented by Moses Oluwaseyi, the association’s Programme Manager, said that the stakeholders’ meeting was to provide adequate voice to ensure that PWDs were not neglected in the election.
She said the Access Nigeria Campaign had continued to create awareness of the plights of PWDs, particularly in organizations including INEC, security agencies, political parties, and the media.
According to her, the association looked forward to the full implementation of Section 54 (2) of the Electoral Act 2022.
“The Electoral Act mandates INEC to provide necessary assistive materials and accessibility to PWDs towards an independent voting process,” Jerry said.
Also, the State’s Commissioner of Police (CP) Wale Olokode, urged PWDs not to be passive, but actively participate in the July 16 governorship election.
“They should come out en-mass and cast their votes,’’ he said.
Olokode, represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Charles Dikwa, said security agencies were ready to guarantee the safety of lives and properties before, during and after the election.
The CP said that it was the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure a free, fair and credible election on July 16.
Source: The Eagle Online
