Two thousand and seventy-seven eligible Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) are expected to participate in the Ekiti governorship election on Saturday, June 20, 2026, alongside other voters to exercise their franchise.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado-Ekiti and assured that the commission has put measures in place to guarantee their full inclusion in the voting process.
He explained that assistive devices such as Braille ballot guides and magnifying glasses will be deployed to enable visually impaired voters, persons with albinism, and other categories of persons living with disabilities to cast their ballots without hindrance.
According to him, inclusivity remains a major component of the Commission’s electoral preparations, reaffirming that no eligible voter would be disenfranchised on account of disability. He added that intimidation is a serious concern that would be addressed by stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the INEC chairman remarked: “Until now, there were 14 political parties published as participating in the election. In view of the Supreme Court decision in the SDP case, the Commission has reviewed its position on the participation of the SDP candidate and has therefore decided to include the candidate of the SDP on the ballot for this election.”
He said everything is being put in place to ensure that voting starts on time in all 2,445 polling units.
“If elections start early, voting will close early, counting will be done in daylight, results will be declared in daylight, and uploads will also be completed in good time. The peace accord must not be treated as a decorative ceremonial exercise. Its principles must be internalized and strictly observed down to party officials, polling agents, and grassroots supporters.
“Our goal is to ensure that the election is peaceful, violence-free, and credible so that every eligible voter will feel safe to come out and express themselves on election day.”
The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, said the command is committed to deploying maximum security to ensure a violence-free and credible poll.
