INEC says Persons With Disabilities have full voting rights as it boosts inclusive measures ahead of the August 2026 Osun governorship election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed that Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) are fully entitled to participate in elections, as preparations intensify for the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election.
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INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun State, Oluwatoyin Babalola, made the declaration on Tuesday during an engagement meeting with PWD representatives and electoral officers in Osogbo.
Babalola said the initiative forms part of efforts to ensure an inclusive, transparent and accessible electoral process for all eligible voters, regardless of physical or sensory challenges.
She explained that persons with disabilities play an important role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and must not be excluded from political participation.
According to her, INEC remains committed to removing barriers that could hinder voter participation and ensuring that citizens can vote independently and with dignity.
The REC noted that the commission has introduced assistive voting tools, including Braille ballot guides, magnifying glasses and communication posters for deaf voters, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.
She referenced Section 54 of the Electoral Act, which provides for the use of assistive devices to support PWDs in exercising their franchise without discrimination.
Babalola added that INEC has also established a dedicated framework on access and participation for persons with disabilities, alongside a gender and inclusivity department to coordinate related programmes.
She urged stakeholders and participants at the workshop to familiarise themselves with the use of the assistive tools and cascade the knowledge across disability clusters ahead of the election.
The Osun State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Adebiyi Adefarasin Stephen, commended INEC for the engagement, describing it as a step toward strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.
He stressed that democracy can only be meaningful when it is inclusive and accessible to all eligible citizens.
Also speaking, Osun State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Steven Idowu, called for stronger support systems to ensure effective participation of PWDs in the electoral process.
He urged stakeholders to ensure that every vote counts and that no eligible voter is left behind in the forthcoming election.
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INEC said the engagement is part of broader preparations to guarantee a smooth and inclusive governorship election in Osun State.
