INEC unveils tech support system for PLWDs ahead of Ekiti poll
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Independent National Electoral Commission has said it will deploy assistive technology and special voting arrangements to ensure persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups fully participate in the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Bunmi Omosehindemi, disclosed this in Ado-Ekiti during the Ekiti Decides Citizens’ Town Hall Meeting organised by the Civil Society Network on Election Integrity. According to Omosehindemi, the commission had earlier acquired modern devices to aid persons with disabilities during voting, and is determined to conduct a seamless and inclusive poll.
He added that priority arrangements had also been made for vulnerable voters, including pregnant women and persons with disabilities, at polling units across the state.
Omosehindemi further revealed that vulnerable groups would be attended to first on election day regardless of queues, while eligible voters in such categories were also encouraged to arrive early to cast their ballots without stress.
The REC, however, lamented what he described as the declining level of empathy among Nigerians, urging citizens to show greater consideration for pregnant women and other vulnerable persons during elections.
On the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards, Omosehindemi announced that collection would commence on June 4 and end on June 11, explaining that PVCs would first be distributed at registration areas from June 4 to June 9 before moving to Local Government Areas between June 9 and June 11.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Michael Falade, assured residents of adequate security during the governorship election, revealing that more than 10,000 police personnel would be deployed across polling units.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the state, Emmanuel Aribasoye, urged residents to actively participate in the electoral process, stressing that voting remained a civic responsibility and a critical part of choosing credible leaders.
