By 
Few hours to the gubernatorial elections, the Albino Foundation Africa (TAF) has expressed concerns over the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stating that the challenges in the presidential elections undermined public confidence in the electoral process.
TAF’s board chairman professor Vincent Anigbogu, stated this on Friday, during a pre-election press briefing in Abuja.
He said INEC’s shortcomings might reignite the already existing voter apathy amongst electorate and especially persons with disabilities (PWDs) if not adequately addressed.
According to Prof Anigbogu the gubernatorial poll is a presentable opportunity for INEC to regain the trust of Nigerians on the electoral process.He said:
“The March 18 gubernatorial and state assembly election presents another opportunity to assess the operational practicability of specific provisions of the Electoral Act as it affects the participation of persons with disabilities, and the commitment of key election stakeholders towards ensuring that the right conditions and enablers are present and operational.“
He however stressed that, every person with disabilities has been advised not to be deterred by the incident if previous elections.
In her remark a board member of TAF Zainab Suleiman, admonished PWDs to come out in their numbers to exercise their franchise and vote for their preferred candidate.
Suleiman explained that:
“TAF Africa understands that the current situation in the country haven’t been exactly encouraging, particularly with the conduct of the presidential and state assembly elections but staying at home for the fear of what will happen at the polling unit will deny you the opportunity to perform your civic right as a citizen by voting your choice of candidate”.
She however added that the PWDs and Nigerians should remember that one possible vote not cast is a vote for the continued weakening of the nation’s electoral process.
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