The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has declared that no eligible Nigerian will be stopped from voting in the 2027 general elections because of disability or insecurity.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, made this statement on Friday in Abuja during a high level technical meeting on disability inclusive election security.
The event brought together the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies, the European Union, and disability rights groups.
The chairman emphasized that a credible election is not just about the voting process, but about ensuring every citizen can participate freely and safely. He stressed that persons with disabilities PWDs must be protected from intimidation, harassment, and violence.
To back this up, the INEC Chairman pointed to several laws, including the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and the Disability Act 2018.
He explained that INEC’s guidelines already provide for priority access, special voting materials, and appropriate help for voters with disabilities.
Addressing security, Amupitan charged the Nigeria Police and other personnel to be professional and sensitive to the needs of PWDs. He insisted that any assistance given to them must protect their dignity, privacy, and freedom of choice.
The INEC boss also called for disability inclusion to be built into security planning and training well before Election Day. He urged security teams to identify inaccessible polling units and potential trouble spots that could affect vulnerable voters.
He concluded by stating that electoral inclusion is a democratic right, not an act of charity. He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to working with all partners to guarantee a safe and inclusive 2027 election.
