In a powerful show of unity, advocates for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have emphasized the critical need for the full participation of the disability community in local government elections, calling it a crucial step toward enhancing grassroots democracy in Nigeria. This was the focal point of a roundtable discussion titled “Disability Inclusive Local Government Elections,” held in Abuja on Thursday, where key stakeholders gathered to explore the barriers and solutions to ensure disability inclusion in Nigeria’s political processes.
The Urgency of Full Inclusion
In his keynote address, Mr. Otive Igbuzor, Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership Strategy and Development, highlighted the importance of complete inclusion for PWDs in electoral processes, particularly at the local government level. According to Igbuzor, inclusive political engagement of PWDs is essential for establishing a truly representative democracy in Nigeria. He expressed that leaving out a significant portion of the population—estimated to be over 30 million persons with disabilities—undermines the democratic values of equality and participation.
“Local government elections offer an opportunity to engage more PWDs in the democratic process,” Igbuzor said. “By fully including PWDs, we can create a more inclusive, equitable society where all voices are heard, and all people are represented.”
The Barriers to Participation
The challenges facing PWDs in Nigeria’s political landscape were a key focus during the roundtable. Igbuzor pointed out that despite the Disability Act of 2018, which guarantees the rights of PWDs, significant barriers still exist. These challenges include:
- Physical barriers, such as inaccessible polling stations that lack ramps, handrails, or appropriate signage.
- Attitudinal barriers, rooted in societal stereotypes and stigma that perpetuate the exclusion of PWDs from decision-making processes.
- Institutional barriers, where election officials are not adequately trained to accommodate or understand the needs of PWDs during the electoral process.
Igbuzor urged for concerted efforts to overcome these barriers, including the need to make polling stations more physically accessible and train election staff to better assist PWDs.
A Call for Greater Representation
In his contribution to the discussion, Mr. Jake Epelle, Founder of TAF Africa, the organizers of the event, argued that local governments—being the closest form of governance to the people—should serve as a starting point for fostering inclusivity. “Inclusivity at the local government level is crucial because this is where many political careers begin,” he remarked. “Ensuring that every individual, regardless of ability, has a voice and a vote is fundamental to the democratic process.”
Epelle also emphasized the importance of breaking down stereotypes and empowering PWDs to run for political office. He highlighted that many individuals with disabilities have the potential to bring new perspectives and innovative solutions to governance, particularly when it comes to addressing the unique challenges that the disability community faces.
“PWDs should not only be seen as voters but also as political candidates who can shape policies from within,” Epelle stated. “We must create an environment where PWDs feel empowered to contest elections and serve in various political capacities.”
The Path to Inclusion: Actionable Steps
The discussions during the roundtable led to the development of a roadmap to increase the political participation of PWDs at the grassroots level. Dr. Adebukola Adebayo, a leading disability advocate, facilitated a session on drawing actionable steps for this purpose. Stakeholders agreed on the following key actions:
- Join Political Parties: PWDs are encouraged to become members of political parties, where they can influence party policies and push for greater inclusion. Early involvement in party structures is seen as a gateway to future candidacies.
- Aspire for Elected Positions: Participants stressed the need for PWDs to aspire to elected offices, such as councilors, local government chairpersons, and even governorships. By stepping into leadership roles, PWDs can directly influence decision-making and advocate for policies that address their concerns.
- Raise Awareness and Train Election Officials: Training programs for election officials were recommended to ensure they are sensitive to the needs of PWDs. Additionally, there should be increased awareness campaigns targeted at communities to combat stigma and encourage the participation of PWDs in politics.
- Collaboration with CSOs and Development Partners: The roadmap underscored the importance of collaboration between civil society organizations, development partners, and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to create a more accessible electoral system for PWDs. This includes providing the necessary resources and support for accessible campaign activities.
- Addressing Physical Accessibility: All new polling stations must be designed with accessibility in mind. The provision of ramps, handrails, and clear signage at all polling units was seen as non-negotiable for upcoming elections.
Mr. Theophilus Odaudu, Programme Officer at the Disability Rights Fund in Nigeria, stressed the need for greater representation of PWDs in political positions beyond just voters. “It’s essential that PWDs hold offices as councilors, governors, and lawmakers to combat the stigma and societal discrimination that hinders their full political participation,” Odaudu said. He added that political parties should actively seek to include PWDs on their candidate lists to ensure better representation at all levels of government.
The Role of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD)
Representatives from the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), and various civil society organizations attended the roundtable, further illustrating the collaborative effort needed to push for inclusive elections. The NCPWD committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the physical and attitudinal barriers to political participation for PWDs are eliminated before the next election cycle.
A Vision for the Future
As the event drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of determination to continue advocating for disability inclusion in Nigeria’s political processes. Dr. Adebukola Adebayo, who led the final session, reminded attendees that the time for change is now, and with the support of the Disability Rights Fund and other partners, Nigeria can take concrete steps toward a more inclusive democracy.
The roundtable concluded with a collective call for sustained efforts to empower PWDs in local government elections. “The true measure of a democracy is how well it includes all its citizens,” one participant remarked. “PWDs must be seen and heard in every political space—from local council elections to the highest offices in the land.”
By ensuring the participation of PWDs in politics, Nigeria can build a more inclusive future, where every citizen, regardless of their physical abilities, can contribute to shaping policies that benefit society as a whole.
Conclusion: A United Push for Change
The discussions at the roundtable on Disability Inclusive Local Government Elections marked a significant step toward realizing the full political inclusion of PWDs in Nigeria. As the country moves closer to the next election cycle, it is clear that the voices of PWDs are growing louder, and their push for inclusion will continue to challenge and shape Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
With the roadmap now in place, the next phase is implementation, ensuring that these actionable steps translate into tangible results for the disability community in Nigeria. This event put together by TAF Africa was made possible with the support of the Disability Rights Fund, underscoring the importance of sustained international and local partnerships to create lasting change.
