Foundation to train persons with disabilities for next year’s elections
The Albino Foundation and National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) have concluded plans to train over 6,000 members to participate in political and electoral processes ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Also, the group is working with the Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) to flag off the ABLE2 VOTE campaign in the six geo-political zones.
This is to equip persons with disabilities to engender inclusive political participation.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, its Founder, Jake Epelle, said the foundation intended to promote political discourse, commitment and public policy-making.
“We want to build the capacities of People With Disabilities (PWDs) aspirants to advance their interests in next year’s elections.
Epelle said: “The initiative will increase the number and quality of the persons in Nigeria’s political process, and eradicate identified barriers, such as the disability gap in voter turnout and cumbersome electoral procedures.
“Active democracy involves maintaining inclusive and broad participatory processes that make it possible for neglected and conventionally marginalised members of the society to have a voice in the more inclusive arrangements.”
He said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has taken into consideration the electoral rights of every citizen and steps have been taken to remove barriers that restrict the full participation of its members as voters.
Also, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Mr. James Lalu, said the group has thrown its weight on the campaign by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the foundation to “say no to nuances of discrimination, to build an equitable society for all.”
He added that the group wants to advance the inclusivity of its members in the scheme of things, especially as the 2023 general elections approach so that no presidential candidate would ignore persons with disabilities. We want to identify with them.
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