The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have intensified efforts to ensure the protection and participation of more than 232,000 registered voters living with disabilities in the forthcoming elections through enhanced security and inclusive voting measures.
INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan said the commission is prioritizing disability-inclusive election-security protocols, targeted training for security personnel, accessible channels for reporting incidents and stronger coordination between electoral and security agencies.
Persons with disabilities account for approximately 0.23% of registered voters, according to INEC records.
Amupitan said credible elections must allow every eligible Nigerian to vote freely, safely and without discrimination.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Isyaku Mohammed, representing Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu at a TAF Africa engagement in Abuja, said 20 senior officers would take the program’s outcomes back to their commands to review existing procedures and promote compliance with the proposed protection measures.
He said protecting voters with disabilities, preventing intimidation and discrimination, and ensuring safe access to polling units are core police responsibilities.
European Union Ambassador to Nigeria Gautier Mignot urged security agencies to turn their commitments into practical procedures, training and effective responses to incidents involving voters with disabilities.
Earlier, TAF Africa Board Chairman Vincent Anibogu called for measures to address barriers including discrimination, intimidation and inaccessible communication during electoral activities.
The engagement was organized by TAF Africa under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria program, which seeks to strengthen inclusive electoral participation and security ahead of the 2027 elections.
