A group, Good Shepherd Society, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that there is no discrimination against persons with disabilities at the coming elections.

The President of the group, Mr. Ossein Nwankwu, made the call in Lagos during the foundation-laying ceremony of a worship centre for persons living with disabilities, called Christian Mission for Deaf Centre.

Nwankwu decried the lack of consideration for disabled persons to participate freely in the elections.

“This act is bad and should be discouraged because disabled people are humans as we are and have same rights as able-bodied .This is why we call on the government and to ensure the physically-challenged participation.

Amos Akeju, who presided over the ceremony, said that disabled persons were discriminated against because the society felt they had nothing to offer.

“Some employers marginalise persons because of their disability physically, mentally or otherwise. Disabled people have untapped resources, some possess unique talents or abilities that might help to make the work environment more productive. Employing a disabled person is not an act of sympathy but of hope and courage,” he stated.