The Albino Foundation (TAF) put together conference for persons with disabilities contesting for elective positions in the forthcoming 2023 general elections to seek mentorship support from major stakeholders for them.
The Conference tagged ELECTABILITY CONFAB 1.0 which took place in Abuja on Monday was for the purpose of building their capacity and enhancing the chances of winning elections for these candidates with disabilities.
The Confab was funded by the European Union through its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria phase II program.
Jake Epelle, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of The Albino Foundation(TAF) in his opening speech said that the electability confab was put together to provide a platform which will provide solutions to some of the challenges candidates with disabilities face while participating in electoral and political processes.
The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E James Christoff in his goodwill message eulogized TAF for putting together the conference describing it as being vital at this moment based on the stated objectives.
According to him, the Government of Canada has always been active in trying to address forms of exclusion and discrimination, and these efforts have become much more focused in the past 2-3 years.
“When I look at the work of the people and organizations here today, and the efforts to remove barriers in Nigeria for people with disabilities from full participation in society, I am convinced we are both charting the same course; trying to make our respective countries a better place for all our citizens. With regards to the specific topic of the event here today; supporting people with disabilities in their inclusion in electoral processes, I would say this is an area in which Canada and Nigeria, would benefit from continued mutual support and collaboration” he added.
Dame Pauline Tallen, the honourable Minister Of Women Affairs in her speech acknowledged that Persons with disabilities need support and a society without barriers will help them thrive in every sector of human endeavour and therefore called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a safe, credible, and inclusive election, especially for Women and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the country.
According to her, “When we have PWDs in the national assembly, they will ensure that the laws and policies formulated in the country are Inclusive. We are calling for a peaceful election, free of violence and crises. If the polling centers are violence-prone, PWDs will be at higher risk. I lend my total support and mentorship to women with disabilities contesting in the 2023 election.”
In his keynote speech, Chairman, Board of Trustees of The Albino Foundation, Prof. Vincent Anigbogu exhorted candidates with disabilities to develop their moral capacity and become strong to speak against what is wrong and uphold what is right.
He added that though some candidates might not win, they have become a strong symbol and an example to many.
During the panel session on Campaigning and Managing the Electorates –Candidates’ Relations, The Executive Director of Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa, Ezenwa Nwagwu advised candidates with disabilities to develop some level of ingenuity because the electorates will be willing to engage with them based on what they represent. He also encouraged the candidates to mobilize a movement of other people with disabilities who will be on the field to provide them with the needed support.
Dr. Chike Okogwu, the Executive Director, Centre for Ability Rehabilitation and Empowerment (CARE) said that though there is law to enable PWDs to participate in electoral processes, but PWDs still must compete because leadership will not be given on a platter. He, therefore, urged the candidates to operate from a place of empathy, not sympathy.
The Country Director, Action Aid Nigeria, Mrs. Ene Obi promised the candidates that they will monitor the elections and give an account of persons with disabilities at the polling units.
At the end of the conference, a communique was issued, which was undersigned by candidates with disabilities, representing different party platforms, and vying for various offices, to articulate the agreed agenda and action plan for enhancing the electability of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Download the Communique here
