Elections in Nigeria have long been seen as a test of the nation’s democratic resilience. But for many citizens, particularly Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), elections are not just about casting votes; they are about safety, access, dignity, and the fight to be seen and heard in a system that too often forgets them.
In Anambra State, the stakes are high as the governorship election approaches. While security concerns remain a major issue in the region, for PWDs, those concerns are compounded by years of systemic exclusion and a lack of understanding of their rights, both by those meant to protect them and by society at large.
But in the first week of July 2025, an important dialogue unfolded in Awka, the state capital. Thanks to the Able2Vote campaign, an initiative of TAF Africa supported by the European Union through its support for democratic governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), leaders of the disability community and security agencies in the state came together in a rare but impactful engagement. The goal was simple: to build trust, enhance coordination, and ensure that PWDs are not left vulnerable on election day.
The event brought together representatives of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and key leaders from the disability community under one roof. It was a conversation rather than a lecture. And it was one long overdue.
Opening the discussion, ASP Ndoma Akpo Ndoma, representing the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, assured the gathering that security agencies are ready and committed to protecting everyone, especially persons with disabilities, on election day.
“Every voter matters. The command is working to ensure that at least five officers are stationed at each polling unit. Nobody will be left behind,” Ndoma said.
His words were echoed by Mrs Stella Onwuakagba, Deputy Commandant of the NSCDC and Head of Campaign and Electioneering, who described the engagement as “timely and enlightening.”
“We’ve gained a better understanding of how to protect and support PWDs, not as an act of pity, but as a fundamental right,” she emphasized. “Our officers will ensure that PWDs are the first to cast their votes. We have been trained and equipped to do this right.”
Mrs Onwuakagba’s passion was evident. She spoke of internal training spearheaded by their Commandant, Mr Olatunde Maku, and promised that this new knowledge would be shared with officers across the command.
But perhaps the most powerful moments of the event came from the voices of PWDs themselves.
Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), challenged security agencies to go beyond promises.
“We need holistic protection. This is not just about getting to vote; it’s about being treated with respect and dignity. Security agencies must work hand in hand with our community,” he said.
Adding to this, Chidinma Ajemba, Public Relations Officer of JONAPWD, raised a critical issue: the restriction of movement on election day.
“For many of us, it’s not about whether we want to vote. It’s about whether we can get to where we can vote,” she lamented. “Our mobility is limited. We need support to ensure we can participate, either as voters or as accredited observers.”
Mrs Onwuakagba was quick to respond, assuring PWDs that if they carried their observer tags or permanent voter cards, they would not be hindered from moving to polling units.
George Anwayi, Senior Programme Officer at TAF Africa and a person with physical disability, reminded all present that inclusion doesn’t stop at the ballot box.
“PWDs should not only vote, but they should also be voted for,” he said. “Many of our members are highly educated and capable. They can be ministers, commissioners, or advisers. We must challenge stereotypes and remove the barriers.”
Anwayi also cited Section 54 of the Electoral Act, which mandates the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide assistive tools like braille ballot guides, magnifying glasses, and large-font posters to ensure PWDs can vote independently and with dignity.
The room was filled with applause for the sense of possibility that now exists. Persons with disabilities were not merely spoken about, they were spoken with. Their needs were not side notes; they were the focus.
As the Anambra governorship election draws near, the message remains that Inclusion in democracy is non-negotiable. And with platforms like Able2Vote, the gap between policy and reality is beginning to close.
