The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Kaduna chapter, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to remove barriers preventing persons with disabilities from registering to vote.

Suleiman Abdulaziz, state chairman of JONAPWD, made the appeal on Friday in Kaduna during a voter mobilisation exercise supported by TAP Africa.

He said that many eligible PWDs in the state were still missing from the electoral register due to inaccessible registration centres, mobility challenges, and difficulties with biometric capture.

Mr Abdulaziz said that data from the National Population Commission showed that Kaduna State has about 1.5 million persons with disabilities, but nearly half have not yet been captured in the voter register.

He called on INEC to adopt more inclusive measures, including satellite registration centres in communities with a high concentration of persons with disabilities.

“Participation in elections is not a privilege but a constitutional right. Persons with disabilities must not be excluded from the democratic process because of barriers that can be addressed,” he said.

He noted that some disabilities are not visible, making it difficult to determine the actual number of eligible voters with disabilities on the electoral register.

The chairman said that persons with disabilities would support only candidates committed to inclusion, accountability and disability-friendly policies.

“We reject political violence, thuggery and manipulation. Our votes will go to credible candidates who recognise the rights and aspirations of persons with disabilities,” he said.

Mr Abdulaziz said JONAPWD would continue to engage political office seekers and monitor elected officials to ensure they fulfilled promises made to the disabled community.

He commended TAP Africa for its advocacy for disability inclusion and for creating more opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in governance.

According to him, the organisation has remained a dependable partner in promoting the rights, integration and political participation of persons with disabilities across Nigeria.

Mr Abdulaziz also praised TAP Africa founder Jake Epelle for his consistent advocacy for disability rights.

“TAP Africa has done a lot to amplify the voices of persons with disabilities. We encourage the organisation to sustain its advocacy until inclusion becomes the norm rather than the exception,” he said.

(NAN)