{
  "id": 14619740,
  "title": "INEC sensitises Ondo PWDs, reaffirms commitment to inclusive elections",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/inec-sensitises-ondo-pwds-reaffirms-commitment-to-inclusive-elections",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T05:26:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/15/inec-sensitises-ondo-pwds-reaffirms-commitment-to-inclusive-elections/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State has pledged its dedication to enhancing electoral involvement among individuals with disabilities (PWDs). Dr. Mutiu Agboke, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ondo State, made this commitment during a workshop aimed at educating PWDs on ways to increase their engagement in the electoral process. The gathering assembled leaders from various disability organizations, including those representing visual and hearing impairments, individuals with albinism, and representatives from other disability communities throughout the state.\n\nDr. Agboke emphasized INEC's dedication to removing obstacles that might hinder eligible voters with disabilities from casting their votes. He stated, \"INEC will persist in taking proactive measures to boost electoral participation among persons with disabilities and guarantee that eligible voters can partake in elections without encountering unnecessary impediments.\" The Commissioner elaborated on INEC's plans to make polling locations more accessible and to supply assistive devices that would enable PWDs to vote autonomously while safeguarding the confidentiality of their ballots.\n\nDr. Agboke implored the attendees to disseminate the knowledge gained during the workshop to their respective disability groups in Ondo State, thereby promoting broader awareness of INEC's initiatives. He added, \"I urge all participants to carry this information back to their communities and share it with their disability groups, so that more individuals can be aware of the available assistance and engage actively in the electoral process.\" The Commissioner also assured the participants that adequate security measures would be implemented to protect voters from intimidation during elections, stressing the importance of creating a secure environment where every eligible voter could participate freely.\n\nRepresentatives from the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Ondo State, including Abiodun Oluwasegun, expressed gratitude to INEC for its efforts to make voting more accessible to persons with disabilities. Oluwasegun stated, \"We appreciate INEC's initiatives aimed at ensuring that persons with disabilities are not sidelined in the electoral process. These measures will motivate more members of our community to participate in elections.\" He expressed confidence that the implemented measures would enhance PWD participation and allow more individuals from the disability community to exercise their voting rights without facing discrimination.\n\nThe technical sessions were conducted by Awelewa Mojisola, who represented the Director of INEC's Gender and Inclusivity Department. She showcased various assistive devices tailored to support voters with different disabilities, such as magnifying glasses, Braille ballot guides, and posters designed for individuals with hearing impairments. Participants also engaged in practical sessions on how to utilize these materials during elections. INEC reiterated its commitment to enhancing electoral inclusivity, ensuring that no eligible voter is deprived of voting due to disability. The Commission also encouraged stakeholders to support efforts aimed at improving access to the electoral process across Ondo State.",
  "summary": "The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Ondo State has reaffirmed its commitment to improving electoral participation among persons with disabilities, PWDs, assuring them of continued efforts to make elections more accessible and inclusive. The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, for Ondo State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, gave the assurance during a one-day workshop organised to sensitise…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Algorithms won’t decide 2027 elections, says INEC chair",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/algorithms-wont-decide-2027-elections-says-inec-chair",
        "published": "2026-10-14T23:38:54.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}