The Albino Foundation Africa has urged political parties to avoid turning polling units designated for persons with disabilities (PWDs) into danger zones during the upcoming Saturday governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections. Jake Epelle, the foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, made the appeal in a pre‑election report funded by the European Union. He warned that increasing clashes among party supporters are heightening tensions in several states, which in turn raises the risk of violence on election day.
Epelle emphasized that disturbing reports indicate some polling units are prone to violence. He called on parties to speak to their supporters and promote a peaceful election, ensuring that polling stations for PWDs are not targeted or made unsafe. He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to arrive at polling units on time, contrasting the frequent late arrivals that characterized the February 25 elections. “The lateness of election officials is becoming a permanent feature in Nigeria’s elections and can disenfranchise persons with disabilities,” he said. Because some PWDs cannot endure long waits in the sun due to the nature of their disabilities, early arrival of INEC staff would allow them to exercise their civic rights without jeopardizing their health and well‑being.
Finally, Epelle expressed hope that the technical glitches that caused the INEC result‑viewing portal to malfunction have been resolved before the March 18 elections. He appealed to INEC to keep communication lines open with the public and to promptly convey any challenges that may arise during the electoral process.
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