2027: Gombe REC tasks officers on disability inclusion

By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Gombe State, Umar Mukhtar Gajiram, has directed electoral officers across the state to ensure that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are fully accommodated in all electoral activities ahead of the 2027 general elections. Gajiram gave the directive on Monday during a one-day engagement with persons with disabilities in Gombe, where he stressed the need for deliberate measures to guarantee their participation in the electoral process without discrimination or unnecessary barriers.

The engagement brought together electoral officers, disability desk officers from the 11 local government areas of the state and representatives of disability groups. It was organised as part of INEC’s efforts to sensitise persons with disabilities on their political rights, particularly their right to vote and participate actively in democratic processes.

Represented by the Administrative Secretary, Fadimatu Aliyu Bakari, the REC reminded electoral officers that disability inclusion must be integrated into every aspect of electoral planning and implementation. “I want to remind our Electoral Officers that the needs of PWDs must be considered in all our electoral activities. “Disability inclusion should not be treated as an additional responsibility but as an important part of our work,” he said.

He also urged disability desk officers to maintain regular engagement with persons with disabilities, listen to their concerns and promptly communicate challenges affecting their participation to the Commission for appropriate action. Gajiram said INEC was committed to ensuring that no eligible Nigerian was excluded from the electoral process on account of disability.

“We want a situation where persons using wheelchairs can easily access polling units, persons with visual impairment can vote with appropriate assistance, persons with hearing impairment can receive election information, and every eligible voter with a disability can exercise their franchise with dignity and confidence,” he said. Also speaking, the Gombe State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Maimuna Abubakar, commended INEC for organising the engagement, describing disability inclusion in the electoral process as a matter of justice, equality and respect for fundamental rights.

She stressed that voting was a constitutional right that must be guaranteed to every eligible citizen, irrespective of physical challenges. “No one should be left out of voting. It is their right to vote, not a privilege,” she said. In his remarks, the Chairman of the Joint Association of Persons Living with Disabilities in Gombe State, Gambo Mohammed, applauded INEC for recognising the concerns of persons with disabilities and taking practical steps to ensure they could exercise their franchise without hindrance.

Mohammed, however, urged members of the association to use the provisions and support mechanisms made available by the Commission responsibly, warning against abuse or misuse of the opportunities designed to facilitate their participation. The engagement highlighted the importance of collaboration among INEC, relevant government agencies and disability organisations in promoting an inclusive electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.