The National Association of Persons with Physical Disability in Nigeria (NAPPDN) has called for greater inclusion of people with disabilities in the nation’s electoral process.

The NAPPDN also calls for the full implementation of disability-related laws.

Its national president, Rilwan Abdullahi, made the call in an interview in Kaduna.

Mr Abdullahi spoke while assessing the participation of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of future elections.

He said that although the constitution and the electoral act guaranteed the rights of persons with disabilities to participate in politics and elections, several barriers continued to hinder their effective involvement.

According to him, many political parties have begun recognising the importance of including PwDs in their activities and leadership structures.

He, however, noted that financial constraints remained a major obstacle for many persons with disabilities seeking elective positions.

“Today, no matter how competent or qualified you are, if you are not financially buoyant, it becomes difficult to actively participate in politics, especially when contesting for political offices,” he said.

Mr Abdullahi also identified challenges relating to voting accessibility, noting that many polling units across the country were not disability-friendly.

He said physically challenged persons often encountered difficulties accessing polling centres, while visually impaired voters lacked ballot materials in braille format.

According to him, the absence of braille ballots compromises the independence of visually impaired voters who often rely on assistants to cast their votes.

“If a visually impaired voter asks an aide to vote for a particular candidate, there is no guarantee that the aide will follow the instruction because the voter cannot independently verify the ballot,” he said.

The NAPPDN president further expressed concern over the inadequate provision of sign language interpreters for persons with hearing impairment during electoral activities.

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant stakeholders to strengthen efforts toward making elections more inclusive.

Mr Abdullahi acknowledged INEC’s position that many polling units were located in public facilities not owned by the commission, but stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders to improve accessibility.

He called on governments at all levels and the private sector to prioritise the implementation of existing disability laws, particularly the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.

According to him, Nigeria has adequate legal provisions to protect the rights of PwDs, but implementation remains a major challenge.

“If these laws are fully implemented, they will create an enabling environment not only for political participation but also for the overall well-being of persons with disabilities,” he said.

Mr Abdullahi, expressing worry, said that many public and private buildings, including schools, banks and offices, remained inaccessible to PwDs due to the absence of ramps, lifts and other essential facilities.

He said such barriers effectively denied PwDs access to public services and opportunities.

The association’s president, therefore, called for increased public awareness of disability rights laws.

He also called for stronger partnerships between government agencies, private institutions and civil society organisations to promote accessibility and inclusion.

“With sustained commitment to implementing disability-friendly policies, Nigeria can create a society where PwDs enjoy equal opportunities and participate fully in national development,” Mr Abdullahi said. 

(NAN)