Anambra REC, Agwu Seeks PWDs’ Collaboration towards Achieving Inclusivity in 2027 Elections’ Conduct
Elochukwu Benjamin |IchieTimes
AWKA: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Anambra State, has reiterated its commitment to giving special consideration to Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs), in the conduct of the 2027 General Elections in the state.
The State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, stated this on Thursday, during a sensitization programme organized for the PWDs, 21 Electoral officers (EOs) in the state and Disability desk officers, at Jesse Hotel in Awka, Anambra State Capital.
Agwu promised that the commission under her watch will conduct a free, fair, inclusive, transparent and credible election come 2027 in Anambra State.
Acknowledging the peculiar challenges faced by persons living disabilities across the country, the INEC REC said the Commission was already taking initiatives to address them, adding that observations from the last elections’ review was already being implemented.
Agwu urged the PWDs to remain optimistic and confident in the process, explaining that the programme was part of efforts to inform them of the programmes of the Commission and get their feedback on them.
“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 to conduct a transparent election and believing in the sustainability of Nigeria’s democracy.
“I urge you all to work with the INEC to conduct a free, fair, inclusive and credible 2027 general election in Anambra State.
“The 2027 general election is our collective responsibility, so we must work collaboratively and in unity to make it a success,” the Commissioner advocated.
In his speech, the facilitator of the programme 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 posters for persons living with disabilities to enable them to 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 PWDs 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 the 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 reaffirmed 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 the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lady Ifeoma Chijioke, urged persons living with disabilities not to allow harassment and intimidation to deprive them of exercising their civic right during the voting process.
