INEC REC to National Assembly: Enact legislation to order elective seats for PWDs

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Anugbum Onuoha, in Akwa Ibom, has referred to as on the National Assembly to enact a legislation compelling political events to order some elective positions for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Onuoha made the enchantment throughout an interactive assembly with members of PWD clusters in Uyo on Friday.

He stated the assembly was organised to work together with the members and perceive the challenges they confronted within the electoral system.

“You are a part of the voters, and you’re entitled to vote and be voted for. My fear, nonetheless, is that not one of the PWDs made the record of candidates.

“That is to say, nobody with a disability was given a ticket to contest, not even for the State House of Assembly, by any of the political parties that expressed interest in the election,” the REC stated.

He stated Nigerians ought to be involved concerning the neglect of PWDs, regardless of the nationwide anthem’s dedication to constructing a nation the place nobody could be oppressed.

“The legislation has made it clear that no one ought to undergo discrimination because of the circumstances of their beginning.

“I do not know why the various political parties have decided not to include at least one person with a disability among their candidates,” he stated.

Onuoha acknowledged the powers of political events to appoint their candidates however urged them to make sure the inclusion of PWDs in future elections.

Responding to issues raised by the members, the REC urged them to have interaction lawmakers to enact laws that might assure their political inclusion.

“I name on the National Assembly to cross a invoice compelling political events to order some elective positions for PWDs throughout elections.

“When it becomes law, the commission will have the legal backing to ensure compliance by political parties,” Onuoha stated.

He additionally inspired them to attend a public listening to scheduled by the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly for Monday, Oct. 26, to current their issues for attainable inclusion in laws.

The REC reaffirmed INEC’s dedication to making sure inclusiveness within the electoral course of.

He stated he had directed electoral officers within the numerous native authorities areas to make sure that eligible PWDs who had but to gather their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) obtained them.

“We want to reduce voter apathy in Akwa Ibom. That is why we are engaging all stakeholders to ensure that they come out en masse to vote on election day,” he stated.

Onuoha additionally introduced that INEC had opened its recruitment portal for advert hoc workers and inspired PWDs to use for accessible positions.

Responding, Nene Bassey, Special Adviser to the Governor on PWDs, recommended INEC for organising the interactive session and guaranteed the fee of their full participation within the 2027 normal elections.

“Since the creation of Akwa Ibom, you’re the first REC to take points regarding disabilities critically, and we’re grateful.

“I can assure you that the love you have shown us will translate into a massive turnout of PWD voters in the 2027 elections,” she stated.

The members later moved a movement pledging to cease voter apathy amongst PWDs in Akwa Ibom within the 2027 normal elections, as an indication of their dedication to INEC.