TheCable

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is enhancing participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in politics and governance.

Luka Buba, INEC’s disability desk officer in Lagos, disclosed this during a two-day workshop organised by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD).

The theme of the programme was ‘Capacity Building Workshop for Aspiring Politicians with Disabilities’.

“As an inclusive body, INEC is creating access for PWDs in the electoral process and currently has a PWD as an employee of the electoral umpire,” Buba said.

“This is a laudable achievement for PWDs. The initiative is in line with the vision of INEC for PWDs.

“INEC hopes to see that this inclusivity is done across board in the political parties, creating access so that more PWDs can contest in the electoral process and be voted into positions of authority in the country.

“Just as they can vote, let them also be voted for.”

Temilola Akinade, chair of the Lagos chapter of the Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), urged participants to join any political party of their choice as long as the party aligns with their interests and aspirations.

In her address, Christiana Njoku, the CCD’s programme manager and focal person for the training, said “the capacity-building workshop is to equip aspiring politicians with disabilities with the required skills and knowledge needed to excel in politics”.

“As enshrined in the discrimination against PWDs Act, PWDs have the right to be in politics — to vote and be voted for,” she added.