Advocates Push for Inclusive Security in Elections for Disabled Persons

The All-Rights Foundation (TAF Africa) has urged the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to adopt security practices that include people with disabilities. This is to ensure their protection, safety, and active participation during elections.

The call was made at a conference held in Abuja over two days.

The event took place on Thursday and Friday and brought together many important people. This included the European Union Ambassador, a representative from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Chairman of the Board of TAF Africa.

The conference aimed to encourage security agencies to consider the needs and rights of people with disabilities when planning for security during elections. The goal is to promote safer and more inclusive participation in the electoral process.

At the event, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, said that the conference should help improve governance and ensure that every citizen can take part in public life.

“Democracy is measured by whether every eligible citizen can participate freely and safely and meaningfully without discrimination,” he stated.

Mr Mignot pointed out that the NSCDC is vital for ensuring peaceful elections. He urged them to include disability issues in their planning and training.

He also discussed the challenges faced by people with disabilities. These include not having access to electoral information, problems with communication, and facing intimidation.

Mr Mignot called on the NSCDC to find practical ways to involve people with disabilities in their security plans. “A person with disabilities has the same right to political participation as every other citizen,” he emphasized. He added that their right to vote and take part in elections must be respected and protected.

INEC Chairperson Joash Amupitan, a professor, also spoke at the event. He said that the credibility of elections relies on ensuring every eligible citizen can participate freely and safely without facing discrimination.

Mr Amupitan was represented by May Agbamuche-Mbu, an INEC National Commissioner. He highlighted the need to provide assistance to voters with disabilities without affecting their independence in making choices.

“The Independent Electoral Commission recognizes that the credibility of elections is not measured merely by the conduct of voting, but also by the ability of every eligible citizen to participate freely and safely without discrimination,” he noted.

He mentioned that voters with hearing or vision impairments, as well as those with limited movement, require different types of help. This includes clear visual information, directions, and accessible routes to polling stations.

Mr Amupitan added that the NSCDC’s role should support, not repeat, the duties of the Nigeria Police Force and other security bodies.

He said that security personnel need to be trained to communicate effectively with individuals with different disabilities. They should carry out risk assessments before elections to find inaccessible entry points and crowded polling areas.

Earlier, TAF Africa Board Chairman Vincent Anigbogu, a professor, stated that all Nigerians, including those with disabilities, should be able to participate in elections safely and with dignity.

Mr Anigbogu pointed out that internally displaced persons often encounter problems like insecurity, lack of access to voter registration, and inadequate information.

“These challenges can discourage participation and undermine confidence in the electoral process,” he explained.

He stressed that security arrangements for elections should consider the situations of displaced persons and offer appropriate, accessible support.

“It is important that election security measures recognize the different circumstances of this group and provide suitable, rights-based responses,” he said.

He concluded that security staff are crucial for protecting vulnerable voters. They are usually the first to respond to threats, violence, or emergencies at polling places. “Security personnel are particularly important in addressing these challenges,” he said.