Stakeholders have called for increased participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria’s ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, describing it as a crucial step toward strengthening inclusive democratic governance and ensuring equal political participation for all citizens.
The call was made during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting on voter registration organized by the Kano State Taskforce Committee on Mobilization of Voter Registration under the leadership of the State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Civil Society Organizations, Persons with Disabilities and Political Parties, Mustapha Muhammad Chiroma, emphasized that voter registration is a fundamental requirement for participation in the electoral process.
Kano first
He noted that no eligible voter can exercise the right to vote without a valid voter card and urged Nigerians, particularly persons with disabilities, to take advantage of the ongoing registration exercise.
INEC’s Gender and Persons with Disabilities Desk Officer in Kano State, Fadwa Hamid Umar, outlined the procedures for voter registration and highlighted measures introduced by the Commission to ensure accessibility and convenience for persons with disabilities.
In a presentation, Dr. Samira Ali of Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kano, underscored the importance of voter registration and inclusive participation in elections, noting that broad citizen involvement remains essential for strengthening democracy.
Traditional and community leaders also expressed support for the initiative. The Sarkin Makafin Kano, Alhaji Ado Halilu Bichi, and the Sarkin Guragun Kano, Alhaji Lawan Ibrahim, pledged to mobilize their members and encourage active participation in the registration exercise.
Similarly, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Engr. Musa Muhammad Shaga, urged persons with disabilities across the country to register and actively engage in the electoral process.
The meeting brought together representatives of disability organizations, civil society groups, electoral stakeholders, and community leaders, who reaffirmed their commitment to promoting inclusive participation and ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has the opportunity to be registered and represented in the nation’s democratic process.
Observers say the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to deepen democratic participation and enhance the political inclusion of persons with disabilities across Nigeria.By Sadiya Tsoho Salisu Kosawa | Brown Pigeon Media