In preparation for the upcoming local government election in Kaduna State, People With Disabilities (PWD) have advocated a significant 80 percent inclusion in electoral processes, which will allow them to both vote and contest elective positions.
They made the demand during a one-day roundtable discussion on disability inclusion in grassroots-level electoral processes, organized by The All-rights Foundation (TAF Africa) and supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.
Abubakar Adam, Chairman of the Albinism Association in Kaduna State, emphasized the importance of PWD securing an 80 percent inclusion, recognizing it as a work in progress toward full inclusion. Adam highlighted the diverse challenges faced by PWD and expressed the desire for their active involvement in decision-making and policy planning.
Rilwan Muhammed Abdullahi, Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the National Association of Persons with Physical Disability in Nigeria, mentioned how the discussion broadened his knowledge of the electoral process, particularly relevant sections of the electoral act affecting PWD.
Abdullahi emphasized the need for increased engagement with political parties for PWD aspiring to political positions.
“Again, I know better how a PWD can aspire for political ambition which before now some of us felt there are laws that prevent us from aspiring for any political position. We were made to understand that there is no law stopping anybody from contesting,” Abdullahi said.
“Then, the need to engage political parties came in handy because any prospective contestant is expected to identify with a registered political party. TAF Africa has done so much in terms of involving people like me in public affairs.”
Vice Chairman of the Kaduna State Association of Deaf, Muhammad Musa stressed the importance of aggressive advocacy for deaf individuals across the state’s local government areas, enhancing their inclusion in local politics.
Responding, Suleiman Salim Aliyu, Technical Assistant to the Executive Secretary of Kaduna State Disability Affairs Board, said there is ongoing efforts to draft a bill in collaboration with the Kaduna State House of Assembly for special treatment of PWD in public service.
Meanwhile, Adeolu Kilanko, Programme Lead of TAF Africa, had earlier highlighted the necessity of integrating approximately 30 million Persons With Disability in all aspects of economic, political, and social planning for a truly free, fair, and credible election.
Kilanko who underscored the need for Nigeria to integrate PWD in all aspects of economic, political, and social planning said “despite the electoral act’s provision for PWD support, implementation is slow, leading to complaints of exclusion during recent rerun elections.”
