‘Low turnout of PWDs in Lagos LGA poll due to inaccessible polling units’

Ojo Bamidele, one of the executive officials of People With Disabilities (PWDs) in Ojokoro LCDA, attributed the low participation of disabled persons in the Lagos local council elections to the inaccessibility of polling units.

Bamidele, who voted at Ward C, Unit 016, emphasised that voter sensitisation alone is insufficient if members cannot physically reach the voting locations.

“We have people living with disabilities who are eligible voters in the seven wards in this Ojokoro, but there are lacunas, especially on mobility,” Bamidele stated.

He proposed that the government provide minibuses at each ward to assist PWDs. He highlighted the difficulties faced by wheelchair users due to restricted vehicle access during elections.

Bamidele further stressed the need for inclusive arrangements for all PWDs, noting the lack of caregivers for the visually impaired and interpreters for the hearing impaired.

He urged the government and philanthropists to support PWDs and ensure they are included in governance.

“We have graduates among us, HND holders and graduates. We are not all artisans. So, what is good for the goose is good for the gander,” he argued, calling for political appointments for PWDs in line with inclusive government policies.