ADVANCING INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA: ELECTORAL ACCESS AND POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE 2027 ELECTIONS

This study examines the challenges Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) face in participating in Nigeria’s elections and explores practical ways to make the 2027 polls more inclusive. On paper, Nigeria has strong laws and has signed international treaties protecting PWD rights, but what is the reality? Many still cannot vote because polling units are not accessible, people hold outdated attitudes, technology leaves them out, and policies are not properly enforced. We examined election reports, disability studies, and legal frameworks (desk research) to determine Nigeria’s current status. The findings are frustrating: less than 30% of polling units are PWD-friendly, assistive tools such as Braille ballots are scarce, and even INEC’s digital systems are not fully inclusive. We have good laws, such as the 2018 Disability Act and the 2022 Electoral Act, but their implementation is patchy, especially outside cities. Even the BVAS, which could be a game changer, was not designed with all disabilities in mind. So, what’s the fix? First, the Electoral Act should be highlighted that accessibility should be made mandatory for PWDs, not optional, and violations should be punished. Second, bake universal design into all election technology and infrastructure from the start. Third, the INEC and political parties need to work with PWD groups, not just check boxes. If we get this right, Nigeria could lead Africa in inclusive elections and more importantly, make voting a real right, not just a promise. The 2027 elections are our chance to finally turn laws into action