The Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Abia State, Wisdom Kalu, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that persons without fingers are not excluded from voting in elections.
Kalu made the appeal during a stakeholders’ meeting on the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise held in Umuahia on Thursday.
He emphasised that individuals born without fingers or those who lost them due to accidents or occupational hazards should not be disenfranchised. Kalu stressed the need for INEC to implement alternative voting methods, such as facial recognition or other accessible verification systems, to accommodate such voters. He also urged the commission to create a more inclusive and disability-friendly environment during elections to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
In response, the Abia State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Chukwuemeka Ibeziako, reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting credible, free, fair, and inclusive elections.
He announced that the CVR exercise would commence with online pre-registration on August 18, followed by in-person registration at local government offices and designated centres from August 25, 2025.
The REC explained that the exercise would cater to first-time voters, those seeking replacement for lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and individuals updating personal details such as names or addresses. He encouraged community leaders and civil society organisations to mobilise eligible citizens to participate in the registration process.
The meeting highlighted the importance of inclusivity in Nigeria’s electoral system, with stakeholders calling for proactive measures to ensure that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into the voting process.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
