Why physically challenged persons struggled to vote in Lagos council polls

Mr. Ojo Bamidele, a leader of People With Disabilities (PWDs) in Ojokoro LCDA, has attributed the low turnout of its members at the local councils’ polls held in Lagos to the inaccessibility of polling units.

Bamidele, who cast his vote at Ward C, Unit 016, spoke on the sidelines of the just-concluded Local Governments (LGs) and Local Council Development Authorities (LCDAs) Elections in Lagos State.

According to him, it’s not enough to sensitize PWDs on voter education and how to cast their votes, but measures must also be put in place for members to access polling units. “We have people living with disabilities who are eligible voters in the seven wards in Ojokoro, but there are lacunae, especially regarding mobility,” he said. “We need the government to come to our aid, especially during elections.”

Bamidele suggested that minibuses (Korope) should be stationed at each ward to facilitate transportation for PWDs. “You know that vehicles are restricted, and some of us who use wheelchairs find it difficult to move to polling units to exercise our civic rights by way of voting,” he explained.

Personally, Bamidele uses a tricycle as a mobility aid, which enables him to cast votes at the polling unit and assist other members in various wards. However, he acknowledged that there’s a limit to what he can do. “Thank God for the financial support from Hon. Olabinjo to fuel my tricycle,” he added. “The government and candidates should ensure that we participate in governance by making adequate arrangements in subsequent exercises.”

Bamidele also highlighted the need for caregivers to assist visually impaired voters and interpreters for hearing-impaired persons. He called on the government, agents, individuals, and philanthropists to support PWDs, describing them as the most vulnerable.

Furthermore, Bamidele urged the new committee in every local government to consider PWDs for political appointments, rather than paying lip service to their needs. “The Federal Government is running an inclusive government, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Social Inclusion Team+ Agenda encourages our people to perform their civic rights knowing there are benefits,” he said. “We have graduates among us, HND holders, and graduates. We are not all artisans, so what is good for the goose is good for the gander. I urge that we be considered in anything the government is doing.”

(NAN