Anambra Guber: PWDs Hails INEC, Security Algencies, urges more Disaggregated Data on Members

By Praise Chinecherem

The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State Chapter has congratulated Governor Chukwuma Soludo, winner of the just concluded Governorship Election, on his resounding victory.

Chairman, Ugochukwu Okeke in a statement also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for notable progress in promoting electoral accessibility and inclusion.

He described the governor’s victory as testament of his purposeful leadership in the last four years.

He wished him successful second term in office as he steered the State toward inclusive growth and sustainable development.

While commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for notable progress in promoting electoral accessibility and inclusion, JONAPWD recommended that the Commission intensify efforts to collect and maintain more disaggregated data on persons with disabilities across all categories.

According to the group, the step would help INEC plan more effectively for future general elections as it regards to distribution of assistive materials, as many persons with disabilities are yet to be fully captured in its database.

JONAPWD listed key improvements observed during the election to include 65% of polling stations having ballot boxes placed at ground level, enabling easy access for voters with physical disabilities.

“Priority voting for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Respectful and supportive conduct of INEC polling officials.

“Provision of assistive electoral materials in several polling units. We also commend security agencies for their professionalism and sensitivity, which ensured that no incidents of intimidation or harassment of voters with disabilities were reported during the election.

“Special appreciation goes to community leaders and polling station coordinators who provided seating and accessible waiting areas, fostering a welcoming environment for all voters.

“JONAPWD salutes Ndị Anambra with disabilities for turning out en masse to exercise their civic rights. Your participation added credibility to the process, showing that inclusive elections strengthen democracy, respect for human rights, and social cohesion.

“We further appreciate our partners; The Centre for Democracy & Development (CDD), The Project IMPACT, The Center LSD, The KUKAR CENTRE for building our capacity in responding to early warnings against insecurity, fake news and disinformation as it relates to election.

“And to TAF Africa( Inclusion Champion) and their sponsor, the European Union, for their consistent support through:

“Awareness campaigns on the rights of PWDs to vote and be voted for. Training and deployment of Sign Language Interpreters with the approval of INEC to assist Deaf voters, which is the first in the history of Nigeria Election.

“Training and deployment of PWD election observers, which helped challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion.

“Creation of Disability Hub where information on inclusive voting were collated during the election.

“Finally, we call on our Governor elect – Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to make disability inclusion and accessibility a key part of his second-term agenda.

“We remain committed to partnering with government and stakeholders to make Anambra a model of inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all citizens.”