Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ogun, yesterday declared that Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), the elderly, and pregnant women will be given special preference in the forthcoming 2027 elections in the state.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the State, Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi, disclosed during a media parley held at the Secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abeokuta, on Thursday.

Saseyi said that the Commission has introduced deliberate measures to help vulnerable groups vote without difficulty, stressing that no eligible voter will be disenfranchised because of physical conditions or circumstance.

She explained that INEC had created operational policies and framework to resolve any challenges that might hinder the vulnerable from exercising their franchise, insisting that the commission is now saddle with the responsibility to put in place welfare that guarantees their participation and safety on the election day.

The commissioner said “The provisions include the provision of assistive materials such as Braille guides for visually impaired voters, as well as support systems for those with mobility challenges.”

“On election day, nobody will be excluded. We have structures in place to ensure that persons living with disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women are given priority at polling units.

“I want to encourage PWDs not to stay away from the electoral process due to fear or uncertainty. Adequate arrangements have been made to guarantee their comfort and safety at polling units across the state.” she added

Earlier, the NUJ Chairman, Wale Olanrewaju, said  that journalists are not only observers during the electoral process but are strong partners in promoting transparency, credibility, and public trust.
Olanrewaju stressed the media’s evolving role as Nigeria heads towards the 2027 general elections, adding that journalists view themselves as critical stakeholders strengthening democratic processes.

He said” As journalists, we do not only see ourselves as critical stakeholders, but also as partners in ensuring transparency, deepening credibility, and building public trust in our electoral system.”

“The media has taken deliberate steps to actively engage political actors by providing platforms where they can openly discuss their ambitions and policies.”

“What we have been doing is bringing these individuals here to speak with us, and we transmit those conversations live on radio.

This is unprecedented, not just in Ogun State, but across the South-West and Nigeria as a whole,” he stated.