The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive participation for persons with disabilities ahead of the state’s governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mutiu Agboke, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Osogbo during a sensitisation programme organised by the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on the decentralisation of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise to ward level.
Agboke said the initiative aims to ensure that no eligible voter is excluded from the democratic process, stressing that persons with disabilities remain an important part of Nigeria’s electoral system. “Democracy thrives when every citizen, regardless of physical condition, has equal opportunity to participate in choosing leaders and shaping governance,” he said.
He explained that moving the CVR exercise from local government offices to registration areas would make voter registration more accessible, particularly for individuals with mobility challenges. The arrangement, he added, would also enable first-time voters aged 18 and above to register easily and allow existing voters to update or transfer their registration details without travelling long distances.
Agboke said the commission plans to deploy assistive tools such as Braille ballot guides, magnifying glasses, large-print materials, and priority voting arrangements to support voters with disabilities during the election. He added that trained poll officials would be available to provide necessary assistance at polling units.
In a goodwill message, the Osun State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Adebiyi Adefarasin Stephen, described the initiative as timely and important for strengthening inclusive democracy. He noted that persons with disabilities should be fully supported to participate in elections.
Also speaking, the Osun State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Steven Oluwakemi, commended INEC’s efforts and called for expanded accessibility measures, adequate deployment of materials, and continuous training of electoral personnel.
Oluwakemi stressed that voting is a fundamental right for all Nigerians regardless of disability and pledged the association’s readiness to partner with INEC to promote inclusive participation ahead of the election. The programme was attended by disability groups, civil society organisations, electoral officials, and other stakeholders.
