Akwa Ibom political leaders call for PWD inclusion and discuss 2027 elections

In Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Anugbum Onuoha, has called on the National Assembly to enact legislation requiring political parties to reserve elective positions for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). During an interactive meeting in Uyo, Onuoha noted that despite the right to vote and be voted for, no candidates with disabilities were included on party lists for recent elections, including the State House of Assembly. He urged lawmakers to pass a bill that would provide the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the legal authority to ensure party compliance.

Separately, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, stated at a political rally in Etim Ekpo that the federal, state, and local governments would combine their powers to secure victories for the APC in the 2027 elections. Ekpo’s pledge to deploy ‘federal might’ has raised questions regarding the neutrality of public institutions and the use of government resources to influence electoral outcomes.