Electoral Accessibility and Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities

Evidence from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between electoral accessibility and the political participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, focusing on the provision of assistive aids during the 2023 general elections. Using a mixed-methods design, survey data and structured field observations were collected from 285 registered voters with disabilities across selected local government areas. Descriptive statistics and multivariate and univariate tests were employed to assess the influence of magnifying glasses for persons with albinism, easy-to-read voter education guides for persons with autism, and ramps for mobility-impaired voters on electoral participation. The results indicate a significant relationship between the provision of magnifying glasses and participation among persons with albinism. In contrast, easy-to-read guides did not show a significant effect for persons with autism, while the widespread absence of ramps revealed persistent structural barriers for mobility-impaired voters. The study highlights gaps in the implementation of disability-inclusive electoral measures and advances policy recommendations for strengthening institutional accessibility standards in Nigeria's electoral framework.