The Nasarawa State Disability Rights Commission (NSDRC) has pledged its full support to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in efforts to increase the participation of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the state’s electoral process, Inclusive News Network reports.
The Executive Chairman of the NSDRC, Hon. Saleh Barde Keana, made the commitment on Monday when he received the Head of the Department of Voter Education, Publicity, Gender and Inclusivity of INEC, Hajia Safiya Garba, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Commission.
The visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two institutions ahead of a planned sensitisation programme by an INEC delegation from its Federal Headquarters for PWDs in Nasarawa State.
Speaking during the visit, Garba explained that the planned engagement was designed to sensitise PWDs on their rights and opportunities to participate in the electoral process.
She said the initiative formed part of INEC’s broader commitment to ensuring that elections are inclusive and that no eligible voter is left behind, in accordance with the Electoral Act and the Commission’s Gender and Inclusivity Policy.
Garba also highlighted the importance of working closely with the NSDRC to reach PWDs at the grassroots, noting that effective collaboration would help expand awareness and encourage greater participation among persons with disabilities across the state.
Responding, Keana commended INEC for prioritising the inclusion of PWDs in electoral activities and welcomed the proposed sensitisation exercise.
He described Garba as a strong friend and advocate of the disability community, while assuring the INEC delegation of the NSDRC’s full cooperation.
According to him, the Commission would mobilise PWDs across all 13 Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State to participate in the sensitisation programme.
Keana stressed that the meaningful inclusion of PWDs in elections is essential to strengthening democratic participation and ensuring that persons with disabilities are not excluded from decisions that affect their lives and communities.
The collaboration is expected to provide an opportunity for PWDs in the state to gain greater awareness of their electoral rights, voter participation and the mechanisms available to support their involvement in the democratic process.
For disability advocates, initiatives such as this are important because electoral inclusion goes beyond simply providing access to polling units. It also requires ensuring that PWDs have adequate information, can participate independently and are recognised as active citizens whose voices matter in democratic governance.
The NSDRC and INEC therefore reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their partnership and promoting a more accessible, responsive and inclusive electoral process for Persons With Disabilities across Nasarawa State.
The planned sensitisation exercise is expected to further strengthen awareness among PWDs and encourage their participation in future elections and other democratic activities in the state.
