From mercy Peter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusivity in Nigeria’s electoral process, with a special focus on women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The assurance was given by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Gombe State, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris, while declaring open the North-East Zonal Capacity Building Workshop for Gender and Disability Desk Officers on Tuesday in Gombe.
The event, held at Custodian Hotel, was organized to strengthen the capacity of officers responsible for advancing inclusivity at the grassroots level.
Dr. Idris commended the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF) for its longstanding partnership with INEC in championing inclusivity, noting that the collaboration has been pivotal in amplifying the voices of marginalized groups in electoral processes.
Highlighting INEC’s deliberate reforms over the past 15 years, the REC recalled the adoption of the INEC Gender Policy in 2014, which was reviewed in 2021, and the launch of the Framework on Access and Participation of Persons with Disabilities in 2018. He further noted that the Commission elevated its Gender Unit to a full-fledged Department of Gender and Inclusivity in 2021 to strengthen implementation.
Dr. Idris also disclosed that INEC has introduced a merit quota for women in recruitment and promotion, which has enabled more women to attain positions as Heads of Department and Electoral Officers.
He added that during the 2019 and 2023 general elections, deliberate steps were taken to engage young women and PWDs as ad hoc staff, demonstrating INEC’s resolve to make inclusivity both policy and practice.
Addressing the participants, he described Gender and Disability Desk Officers as the Commission’s “bridge with marginalized groups,” emphasizing their strategic role in ensuring inclusivity across communities.
While acknowledging progress, such as the deployment of assistive devices in recent elections, he called for more effective distribution to ensure that these devices reach those who truly need them.
He explained that the workshop was designed to equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to promote inclusivity within their jurisdictions.
He urged them to participate actively by asking questions, exchanging ideas, and innovating on ways to expand access.
Welcoming the participants to Gombe, known as “the Jewel in the Savannah,” Dr. Idris wished them a productive workshop and a pleasant stay.
