PWDs March to INEC, Seek Inclusion in Rivers Electoral Process

BY IFEANYICHUKWU PASCAL ANYANWU

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) have called out the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the marginalisation they are experiencing politically.

This comes after a rally held by the PWDs Rivers State Chapter, in partnership with the Stakeholders Democratic Network (SDN), in which the PWDs marched to the INEC office to submit a list of demands to ensure their inclusivity in both the political and electoral processes.

Barrister Prince Amuda Chigozie Thedos, the leader of the visually impaired, led the charge with the statement:

“We are making a clarion call to INEC to partner with persons living with disabilities in Rivers State in all the local governments where they have offices. In the 23 local government areas, persons with disabilities in Rivers State should be carried along. Particularly, a desk office should be established where persons with disabilities can participate in decision-making.”

“IPAC, we are pleading with you, as a matter of urgency, to mandate all the political parties that are registered under you to grant persons with disabilities easy access to political offices by sponsoring their elections and sponsoring their candidacy, and as such ensuring that persons with disabilities are part and parcel of the decision-making of all the political parties in Nigeria.”

Dr Mrs Angela Ebudari, the Administrative Secretary of INEC, Rivers State Chapter, responded to their demands by highlighting the achievements and progress the commission has made in creating an inclusive environment for people living with disabilities in the electoral process.

“You can do your transfer, update, and change of name from your phone, and somebody can also help you from the comfort of your home. You don’t need to go anywhere to be able to do those things. Also, the commission has given priority to people with disabilities irrespective of the government.”