TAF AFRICA sensitizes Persons with Disabilities in Uvwie ahead 2027 General election

TAF AFRICA sensitizes Persons with Disabilities in Uvwie ahead 2027 General election

Ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria, a Non-Governmental Organization,The All Right Foundation,TAF AFRICA, Monday August 31, embarked on a sensitization of Persons With Disabilities in Uvwie LGA Delta State on their rights to participate in the forthcoming 2027 general elections in line with the stipulated laws of Nigeria especially with Section 54 subsection 1&2 of the Electoral Act in saying, “it is very disrespectful politicians contesting elections to give Persons with Disabilities “rice” during their campaigns.

The group also appealed to them not to reduce themselves to the level of rice collection or give them(politicians) the opportunity to give them rice but to carry themselves with “pride”just as it held the Able2Vote Community Outreach for Persons with Disabilities at Uvwie Local Government Council in Delta State.

The Chairman,Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities,Uvwie Local Government Council, Mrs. Omor Akporire Rejoice

The group also cautioned them not to carry yourself with “pity” but to carry themselves with pride pointing out that it is their right to participate in the electoral process.

TAF AFRICA Assistant Programme Manager, George Dominic Anwayo spoke during programme. He noted that the sensitization is to also let the Persons With Disabilities know about the position of the law stated above.

He stressed that the Person With Disabilities have equal right with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him,”You are not coming out to vote so that they can give you rice. Your vote is not for sale.”

Anwayo said the outreach is to empower Persons with Disabilities with skills as well as them know their rights stressing that they have the rights to participate in the electoral process.

Anwayo also noted that Section 54 subsection 1&2 in the electoral Act, makes it mandatory for the Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC to provide assisting devices for persons with disabilities to participate in the electoral process and to employ and deploy “Sign language” interpreters to the various polling units so that persons with Disabilities can participate so that no one is disenfranchised.

He also urged Persons With Disabilities to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards(PVC) and ensure they come out ensmass on election day to vote their choice candidates in the forthcoming election.

“If you come out in your numbers, nobody will be able to rig the election” saying provisions have been made for you to participate on that day.

Earlier, TAF AFRICA Senior Monitoring&Evaluation Officer, Terfa Tyokase who sensitized the participants said the outreach programe was to create awareness amongst Persons With Disabilities on the need to participate and vote on the day of election. He said,”You have the right to vote despite your disabilities.”

Tyokase explained that the electoral act also made provision to consider the engagement of 5% of Persons With Disabilities in it’s employ.

In a remark, Chairman,Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities,Uvwie Local Government Area, Mrs. Omor Akporire Rejoice thanked the organizes for the outreaching aimed at making them know their rights to participate in the electoral process.

Mrs. Rejoice said,”Voting is our right. We have to vote.”

She noted that Persons With Disabilities come out every elections to participate and vote.

She also pointed out that in the last election, they(Persons With Disabilities) voted ensmass for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

Mrs. Rejoice also promised that Persons With Disabilities will also support and vote massively for Governor Oborevwori in the forthcoming elections.

Mrs. Rejoice also called on Persons With Disabilities who are yet to obtain their PVC to go and that as election draws near.

“Go and get your PCV. Voting is our right. We should not allow disability discourage us.”