Anambra Guber Election: NSCDC assures PWDs of safety at polling stations

By Praise Chinecherem

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has pledged to safeguard the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and ensure their safety at the polling stations during the November 8, 2025 governorship election in Anambra State.

Commandant Maku Olatunde, the State Commandant of NSCDC gave the assurance during during a 2-day sensitisation programme organized by a Non- Governmental Organisation, The All Rights Foundation Africa, otherwise known as TAF Africa in Awka.

The workshop tagged: ABLE2VOTE-Strenghtening Election Security for Voters with Disabilities was to enhance capacity of security personnel on disability rights and inclusive election security.

NSCDC State Commandant represented by Deputy Commandant, Stella Onwuakagba, said the Corps in collaboration with other sister security agencies would avail PWDs and other vulnerable persons in the state maximum security to exercise their franchise freely during the election.

“We are already sensitizing our officers through the Desk Officer for Persons With Disabilities to be responsive to your interest, making sure that voters with disabilities participate safely, confidently, and without barriers in the upcoming gubernatorial election.

“We would ensure that your rights are not violated, we are determined to protect you from danger and pay special attention to your needs during, before and after the election” he said.

During the workshop, Lynn Agwuncha, Senior Communications Officer of TAF Africa, emphasized that providing People with Disabilities (PWDs) the opportunity to vote with ease is a matter of right, not pity.

She noted that while Nigerians often show compassion and allow PWDs to vote first out of sympathy, it’s essential to recognize that Section 54 of the Electoral Act actually grants PWDs the right to priority voting.

Speaking at the event, George Anwayi, an Assistant Programme Manager at TAF Africa, said that the greatest problem in the community with PWDs is voter apathy, stemming from fear due to insecurity, and thus emphasized the need for security personnel to protect voters on election day.