Police Told to Step Up and Shield Disabled Voters as INEC Sets Sights on 2027

Police Told to Step Up and Shield Disabled Voters as INEC Sets Sights on 2027

A disability rights group is pushing Nigeria's security agencies to adopt disability-inclusive security practices, while the election commission announces new protections for voters with disabilities starting with the 2027 general elections.

· 1 min read ·
electionshuman rightsafrica

A disability rights group has called on Nigerian security agencies to change how they protect voters with disabilities during elections, asking the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to adopt disability-inclusive security practices to improve the safety and participation of persons with disabilities during electoral processes [1].

The call focuses on making sure disabled voters are protected and can take part fully in elections [1].

Separately, Nigeria's election commission says it will change how it protects voters with disabilities, starting with the 2027 general elections [2]. The Chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, announced the plan on Wednesday, saying the commission has set five priorities for the 2027 elections [2].

The first priority is a clear set of security rules for elections that includes people with disabilities (PWDs). These rules will follow INEC's 2026 regulations and guidelines [2].

The announcement signals a shift toward safer and wider participation for a group that often faces barriers at polling units [2].

Sources

Police urged to protect disabled voters during elections #269291Nigeria’s INEC Moves to Protect Voters with Disabilities Ahead of 2027 Elections #269295

Related

Nigeria 2027: Activist Warns Violence Could Derail Election as Campaigns Kick Off

A pro-democracy activist is warning that pre-election violence could undermine Nigeria's 2027 general election unless authorities act now. The warning comes as presidential campaigns begin, with voters demanding concrete plans to stop oil theft.

South Africa's 2026 Local Elections: Parties Battle Over Water, Power, and Jobs as Special Voting Opens

South Africa's major political parties are making concrete promises on service delivery, housing, and jobs ahead of the 2026 local government elections, while the electoral commission has opened special vote applications for voters who cannot reach polling stations on election day.

Nigerian Security Service Moves to Suspend Sowore’s Cyberstalking Trial as 2027 Election Race Heats Up

Nigeria’s State Security Service is asking a court to temporarily halt the cyberstalking trial of activist Omoyele Sowore, citing the intensifying political climate ahead of the 2027 general elections. The agency announced the move on Tuesday, marking a significant twist in a case that has drawn national attention.

Nigeria’s 2027 Race Kicks Off: 100 Million Voters, Peace Deal Signed, But Economy and Security Loom Large

Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election campaign is officially underway, with political heavyweights already hitting the trail five months before the vote.

Nigerians Burn N30bn on Primaries as EFCC Vows to Stop Vote-Buying in 2027

Nigeria's anti-graft agency says governorship hopefuls spent 30 billion naira on primary elections ahead of the 2027 vote, as the country’s leader urges citizens to stay and build the nation rather than emigrate.

Somalia Locks In April 15 and May 15, 2027 Votes Despite Islamist Insurgency

Somalia's election commission has set parliamentary elections for April 15, 2027, and the presidential vote for May 15, 2027, a timetable the federal government has backed while urging political dialogue.