THE INFLUENCE OF ELECTORAL ACT ON THE VOTING BEHAVIOUR OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS IN OYO STATE

Abstract

The struggle for political inclusion of people with disabilities in political participation generally and the election process specifically is one of the central focuses of the global movement for sustainable development as championed by the UN. Nigeria as a nation is not an outlier in its recognition of the universal rights of voters with disabilities. The purposeful selection of Oyo State (South West) Nigeria for this study was to examine the apparent shortcomings in voting behavior of people with disabilities. The study likewise used a mixed-methods approach, with primary data being collected through a standardized questionnaire that was given to 400 randomly chosen respondents. Purposeful selection was made from among the registered members of the Joint Actions of People with Disability in Nigeria (JONAPWP).Secondary data was sourced from relevant data from journals, text books and online materials. In analyzing the data, the researcher used simple percentages to reconcile findings from both quantitative and interview. Findings review participation of persons with disabilities in 2023 general elections in Oyo State is not encouraging In view of the research findings, the study recommends the need for increase in sensitization drive for voting rights by all ancillary bodies related to the conduct of elections in Nigeria.