The Albino Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, on Monday, called on persons with disabilities to participate in the 2023 general elections.
Jake Epelle, CEO/Founder, of The Albino Foundation, made the call at a voter education campaign sponsored by the European Union, tagged, “Able 2 Vote (South-West).”
It was said that the campaign was organised to reduce voter apathy to the barest minimum and promote the mainstreaming of persons with disabilities in the electoral process.
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Mr Epelle said the time has come for persons with disabilities to fully take part in elections as a civic responsibility.
He said:
“The day has come and that day is now that all of us will rise up, take the bull by the horn and make the most of political participation of persons with disabilities.
“I charge you and I challenge you today. If this country is looking for a president, governor or a house of representative member, look no further because you’re the one.
“We have a wonderful opportunity before us. This is the fact that for the first time in the history of the electoral process in this country that persons with disabilities will constitute an adequate percentage of the entire electorate.
“There has never been any time better than now that this community is coming together. We are not just ready to vote, we are ready to be voted for.”
Dr Uche Edimafo, who was a guest speaker at the event, held that It was not the size that determined champions but physicality and a positive mindset.
Edimafo then encouraged the people to look beyond their present condition and aim to achieve all that they dream of in life.
The guest speaker explained that there is ability in disability so people should not give up or be intimidated until people with disability are properly recognised in the electoral process.
The Albino Foundation, Programme Manager, Ndifreke Ferdinand, stated that there was a need to address issues of voters’ identity and chances.
According to her, this will increase the presence of the physically challenged in the coming general elections.
She said:
“I urge you all, especially those that believe their votes do not count, to go and collect their voter cards so as to kill the spirit of voter apathy in the society.”
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