The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has successfully registered approximately 3,000 voters living with disabilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of preparations for the forthcoming Area Council elections.
The milestone was disclosed by Mr. Festus Aisien, Head of INEC’s ICT Department in the FCT, during a courtesy visit by the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) to the Commission’s office in Abuja.
In a statement posted on INEC’s official X account on Friday, the Commission highlighted the registration figure as evidence of its ongoing commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are fully included in the democratic process.
Mr. Aisien reaffirmed INEC’s dedication, stating that the Commission “remains committed to creating an election environment where everyone, including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), can register and vote without difficulty.”
The visit provided an opportunity for dialogue on further strengthening accessibility measures. Mrs. Grace Jerry, Chief Executive Officer of the Inclusive Friends Association, commended INEC for its long-standing collaboration with disability groups.
She noted that INEC has been working with such organisations “for more than 10 years to improve inclusion in elections.”
However, Mrs. Jerry stressed that significant gaps remain. She called for intensified efforts, particularly in the training of election officials, security personnel, and political party agents “on how to properly engage and assist voters with disabilities during elections.”
The registration drive forms part of broader initiatives by INEC to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, both of which mandate inclusive electoral practices.
Stakeholders say sustained advocacy and capacity-building will be critical to translating policy commitments into seamless participation for PWDs on election day.
The Area Council elections in the FCT are expected to serve as a litmus test for the Commission’s inclusivity reforms.
