The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concern over the exclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) from the list of candidates nominated by political parties for elective positions in Akwa Ibom State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Anugbum Onuoha, raised the concern during a press briefing in Uyo, describing the development as unfair to persons with disabilities who also deserve opportunities to participate in governance.
Onuoha reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to an inclusive electoral process, disclosing that INEC was strengthening its staff’s capacity to provide appropriate assistance to persons with disabilities during Permanent Voter Card collection and on Election Day.
On preparations for the 2027 elections, the REC said the commission had completed nine of the 14 activities on its timetable, including the publication of the final list of governorship and State House of Assembly candidates.
He urged political parties to comply with the deadlines for submitting the names of their polling agents, stating that December 10 was the deadline for presidential and National Assembly elections, while January 6, 2027, was set for governorship and State House of Assembly elections.
The electoral commissioner also announced the commencement of recruitment of ad hoc personnel for the 2027 general elections, directing interested Nigerians to apply through the commission’s official portal.
He said the recruitment portal was expected to close on November 18, advising applicants to obtain information only through official INEC channels.
On voter education, Onuoha disclosed that the commission had visited 23 of Akwa Ibom’s 31 local government areas to sensitise stakeholders and encourage the mobilisation of eligible voters.
He added that INEC had started receiving some non-sensitive election materials and had tested the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System in preparation for the polls.
The REC urged political parties and their supporters to shun violence and vote-buying, calling for collective commitment to peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.
