The media plays a critical role in Nigeria’s democratic governance, providing fair, accurate, ethical, and inclusive coverage of electoral and broader democratic processes. However, the media’s attention to disability and the potential of persons with disability in the democratic governance process has been marginal, with poor access, inappropriate language use and representation, and scant coverage of PWDs and their contributions to the electoral process and democracy in Nigeria.
To address this gap, The Institute for Media and Society has developed this handbook and unique resource, titled ‘Media Guidelines for Disability – inclusive Coverage of Elections in Nigeria’ drawing on local and international experiences and documents. The guidelines aim to better educate journalists and other media professionals on the reality of disability in Nigeria and promote the active participation of PWDs in the country’s electoral process.
