President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Wednesday restated that his administration is determined to ensure that PWDs are not only participants in the electoral process but also leaders and decision-makers.
He spoke through the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa.
He said the inclusion of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the electoral process is not merely an act of charity, it is a fundamental necessity for a truly representative democracy.
Hon. Isa stated this Wednesday in Abuja at the CSO Electoral Reform Summit hosted by Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) with Funding Support of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and added that electoral inclusion and participation of PWDs will ensure that their unique perspectives and needs are incorporated into the legislative process, leading to policies that are more comprehensive and inclusive.
Isa expressed concerns that the reality of that PWDs often face significant barriers that hinder their full participation in the electoral process.
Isa who was represented by the director, Media and Communications office of the SSA on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Lanre Oloyede, said these barriers include lack of funding, physical accessibility issues, societal prejudices, and a lack of representation in elective and appointed positions.
“To achieve true inclusivity, we must: Implement disability-friendly policies and infrastructure, provide accessible voting systems and materials, increase representation of PWDs in political offices and support disability-focused organisations and initiatives.”