BREAKING BARRIERS TO POLITICAL PARTICIPATION: PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND ELECTORAL ACCESS IN NIGERIA'S 2027 ELECTIONS

Democratic governance is founded on the principle of equal political participation and representation of all citizens, including persons with disabilities (PWDs). However, despite their significant presence within the Nigerian population, PWDs continue to face institutional, environmental, technological, and societal barriers that limit their effective participation in electoral processes and governance. This study examines electoral access and political engagement of persons with disabilities in Nigeria, with particular attention to the 2027 general elections. It explores the major barriers confronting PWDs in voter registration, access to polling centres, voting, political campaigning, political representation, and broader civic engagement. The study also assesses the adequacy of existing legal and institutional frameworks, including Nigeria’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. The study argues that the existence of constitutional and legislative provisions alone is insufficient to guarantee meaningful political inclusion where implementation remains weak. Inaccessible electoral infrastructure, inadequate assistive technologies, limited political representation, discriminatory attitudes, insufficient voter education, and gaps in enforcement continue to undermine the political rights of PWDs. Advancing inclusive governance therefore requires stronger implementation of disability-inclusive electoral policies, accessible polling facilities, improved assistive voting technologies, inclusive voter education, effective enforcement of disability rights legislation, and increased representation of PWDs in political institutions. The study concludes that ensuring meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in the 2027 elections is essential to strengthening democratic legitimacy, political equality, and inclusive governance in Nigeria.