INEC's Amupitan Advocates for Inclusive Voting Security

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Joash O. Amupitan, urged for stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to facilitate safe and inclusive electoral participation for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) ahead of the 2027 General Elections. This call was made on 23 October 2026 during a high-level technical engagement on disability-inclusive election security held at the Abuja Inter-Continental Hotel.

The event, themed “Securing the Vote for All: Advancing Inclusive, Safe and Rights-Based Electoral Participation Ahead of the 2027 General Elections,” included representatives from various organizations, including the European Union and TAF Africa. Professor Amupitan emphasized that the credibility of elections relies on the ability of all eligible citizens to participate freely and safely.

He referenced legal frameworks supporting inclusive participation, such as the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018. He also stressed the importance of integrating disability inclusion into election security planning and urged security personnel to be sensitive to the needs of voters with disabilities.