The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified efforts to ensure inclusive voting ahead of the Ekiti State 2026 Governorship Election, with a clear focus on removing barriers that hinder persons with disabilities from fully participating in the electoral process.
The engagement was held in Ado Ekiti bringing together electoral officials, disability advocates, and key stakeholders to address accessibility challenges and improve participation.
Addressing the gathering, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said the initiative targets the elimination of obstacles that restrict access to voting. He stressed that inclusion is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and explained that the programme will strengthen the capacity of electoral officers while ensuring proper development and deployment of assistive devices across the state.
INEC demonstrated key assistive tools, including the Grey Ballot Guide and magnifying glasses, to show how voters with visual and mobility challenges can vote independently. Officials noted that the success of these tools depends on proper training of electoral officers and increased awareness among voters who need them.
The commission also highlighted major challenges that could affect implementation, such as poor distribution of materials, inadequate training, and logistical difficulties, particularly in rural areas. It emphasized the need for deliberate planning to ensure assistive devices reach both urban and hard-to-reach communities before election day.
Dr. Omoseyindemi urged electoral officers to remain professional and committed, noting that their role is critical in delivering free, fair, and credible elections. He warned that failure to properly use assistive devices could weaken inclusivity and deny some citizens their voting rights.
Stakeholders from the disability community welcomed the initiative but called for practical improvements. One participant, Mr. Ania Sesan Tokunbo, commended INEC’s efforts but called for more accessible polling units, better interpretation services, and improved conditions at voting centres.
The Ekiti State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mrs. Akomolede Oluwakemi, also praised the commission for engaging directly with persons with disabilities. She urged them to come out in large numbers to vote, reminding them of their right not only to vote but also to be voted for.
Concluding, Mrs Nwanna Perpetual Ezinwa, an Assistant Director from Abuja, called for stronger collaboration between INEC and disability groups to sustain progress and remove long-standing barriers in the electoral process. The meeting ended with a shared commitment to deliver an election that is not only credible but fully inclusive for every eligible voter.
