Persons with disabilities seek special protection from security agencies

Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to implement the Disability Act by ensuring that all barriers that hinder persons with disabilities from participating in elections are removed.

Executive Director of CCD, David O. Anyaele, in a statement yesterday in Abuja, noted that the implementation of the act would inspire eligible voters with disabilities to go out and cast their votes to the candidates of their choice in the two states.

Anyaele urged INEC to guide election security agencies to ensure peaceful polls, noting that violence may hinder eligible voters with disabilities from participating in the elections.   

“Election day security agencies should respect and protect the rights of persons with disabilities, in particular deaf voters in the two states. Reports from previous elections show that deaf voters are exposed to violence and hostility from security agents and other citizens on election day.

“The goal of this campaign is to ensure that eligible persons with disabilities gain equal voting access during elections in Nigeria.”