Ogun INEC Pledges Priority Voting Access for PWDs, Elderly, Pregnant Women Ahead of 2027 Polls
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ogun State has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive elections, assuring that Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), the elderly, and pregnant women will receive priority attention during the 2027 general elections.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Feyijimi Saseyi, gave the assurance on Thursday during a Media Parley held at the Secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abeokuta.
Saseyi emphasized that the Commission has put in place deliberate strategies aimed at ensuring inclusivity and seamless participation for vulnerable groups, stressing that no eligible voter would be disenfranchised due to physical limitations or personal circumstances.
According to her, INEC has developed targeted policies and operational frameworks tailored to meet the needs of PWDs.
She noted that specialized departments within the Commission have been mandated to oversee the welfare and participation of vulnerable voters, ensuring they are treated with dignity and attended to promptly at polling units.
She disclosed that assistive materials, including Braille guides for visually impaired voters, would be deployed, alongside support systems for individuals 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,” she stated.
Saseyi also encouraged PWDs to actively participate in the electoral process, assuring them of adequate arrangements to guarantee their safety and comfort across polling centres in the State.
In his remarks, the NUJ Chairman in Ogun State, Wale Olanrewaju, highlighted the critical role of the media in the electoral process, describing journalists as key partners in promoting transparency, credibility, and public trust.
Comrade Olanrewaju noted that as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the media is evolving beyond traditional reportage to actively engage political actors and provide platforms for open dialogue on policies and ambitions.
“As Journalists, we are not just observers but stakeholders and partners in deepening credibility and strengthening public trust in the electoral system,” he said.
He added that the NUJ has been facilitating live engagements between political actors and the public through radio broadcasts, describing the initiative as unprecedented within Ogun State and across the South-West region.
