UMUAHIA, ABIA STATE — The Abia State Disability Commission has challenged political parties and candidates contesting elective positions in the state to move beyond rhetoric and make disability inclusion a concrete part of their campaign manifestos.
The Chairman of the Commission, Dr. David O. Anyaele, made the call while receiving members of the Labour Party Abia State Working Committee (SWC) during a courtesy visit at Government House, Umuahia.
Dr. Anyaele urged political parties and candidates to clearly state in their manifestos how persons with disabilities (PWDs) would benefit from proposed government programmes, policies and legislation, stressing that such commitments should be backed by measurable indicators to ensure accountability.
Beyond Campaign Promises
According to the Commission Chairman, political participation must go beyond using persons with disabilities as campaign audiences or symbols of inclusion. He called for deliberate efforts to integrate disability rights and representation into political structures and decision-making processes.
He also demanded accessible campaign platforms, including the provision of sign-language interpreters at political rallies and other political events, to ensure that voters with disabilities can participate meaningfully.
Dr. Anyaele disclosed that the Commission is prepared to facilitate direct engagement between political candidates and the disability community by linking disability coordinators at the state and local government levels with candidates contesting for the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly.
He said such engagements would provide an opportunity for candidates to understand the concerns of persons with disabilities and develop practical commitments capable of addressing them.
Commission Highlights Disability-Inclusion Achievements
Highlighting the Commission’s activities since its establishment under the Abia State Disability Law 2022, Dr. Anyaele said the Commission has focused on dismantling barriers and expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities across the state.
Among the interventions highlighted were:
- Distribution of thousands of assistive devices and white canes to persons with different disabilities.
- Training of blind persons in assistive technology.
- Enrollment of 3,000 persons with hearing impairments in assistive-device programmes.
- Economic empowerment of 250 entrepreneurs with disabilities, each receiving ₦250,000 and solar panels.
- Sensitisation of more than 830 teachers and health workers across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas on issues affecting children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Capacity building for Local Government Area Mayors and Permanent Secretaries on disability issues, disability laws and inclusive budgeting.
The Chairman added that the Commission is also working with local governments to institutionalise disability inclusion at the grassroots.
He cited developments in Bende, Ohafia and Ikwuano Local Government Areas, where accessibility audits and disability-focused appointments have reportedly been undertaken as part of efforts to make local governance more inclusive.
Labour Party Commends Commission
Speaking on behalf of the Labour Party delegation, the party’s Abia State Chairman, Hon. Peter Azubike, represented by the Organising Secretary, Hon. Ben Oti, commended Governor Dr. Alex Otti and the Abia State Disability Commission for what he described as their attention to disability inclusion.
He said the purpose of the visit was to interact with the Commission and gain a better understanding of its programmes and achievements.
Hon. Oti expressed appreciation for the opportunity to visit the Commission, noting that the delegation was impressed by the interventions presented by its Chairman.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities are visible and actively involved in political activities and governance across Abia State.
The Labour Party representative further noted that the party requires the support of people within government and emphasised the need to engage government agencies and parastatals supporting the Governor’s development vision.
A Test for Inclusive Politics
The meeting comes at a time when political parties are increasingly being challenged to demonstrate that their commitment to inclusion extends beyond campaign speeches.
For the disability community, the real test is whether political manifestos will translate promises into budgetary commitments, accessible infrastructure, employment opportunities, political representation and meaningful participation in decision-making.
The Commission’s call therefore places a clear challenge before political parties and candidates: PWDs should not merely be counted as voters during elections; they must be recognised as citizens, stakeholders and decision-makers in the political process.
Other members of the Labour Party delegation included Assistant Secretary Mrs. Nkiruka Ukaonu; Legal Officer Barr. Ndubisi Nwosu; TUC representative Comrade Okoye Iloabuchi; NLC representative Comrade Emma Alozie; Zonal Youth Leader Mr. Agaero Best Uche; and Zonal Women Leader Hon. Akachi Jacob.
