The Association for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities of Nigeria (AIDDN), the umbrella organization representing the intellectual and developmental disabilities cluster in Nigeria, has successfully concluded its 2026 National Election, ushering in a new era of leadership with the emergence of Dr. Evangelist Tunde Willoughby as the new National President.
The transition marks the end of an impactful administration led by Mrs. Joko Omotola, the Immediate Past President of the association, who completed her constitutionally approved two terms in office before formally handing over leadership to her former Vice President.
In her farewell remarks, Mrs. Omotola expressed appreciation to members, stakeholders, and delegates for their support throughout her tenure while urging the newly elected leadership to consolidate on the achievements of her administration.
“I formally hand over the leadership baton to my former Vice President, Dr. Evang. Tunde Willoughby, who is now the new President of AIDDN. I wish him and the incoming Executive Committee success as they continue building on the solid foundation laid during my administration,” she stated.
The election, which was conducted virtually, has been widely described as a significant milestone in disability-inclusive democratic participation in Nigeria, especially within the intellectual and developmental disabilities community.
Electoral Committee Commended for Transparent Process
According to the Final Report released by the AIDDN National Electoral Committee, the 2026 election process was carefully designed to ensure transparency, credibility, fairness, and nationwide participation through digital technology.
The committee disclosed that the election was conducted in line with the provisions of the association’s constitution and involved representatives from the six geopolitical zones of the country alongside a Board observer.
Initially scheduled to hold on January 31, 2026, the election had to be postponed following delays in delegate registration and submission of electoral lists from some zones. However, after extensive consultations and adjustments to timelines, the election was eventually held successfully on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
The committee explained that the postponement became necessary to guarantee inclusiveness, fairness, and adequate preparedness for all delegates and contestants.
Nationwide Virtual Election
In what observers have described as a demonstration of innovation and inclusion, AIDDN conducted the entire election process virtually, leveraging digital platforms to accommodate delegates from across Nigeria.
The Electoral Committee undertook extensive administrative planning, including the development of an election timetable, internal coordination meetings, compilation of delegate lists, and verification of candidates.
Candidates were screened based on several constitutional requirements, including:
- Membership status
- Payment of annual dues
- Attendance records
- Constitutional eligibility
- Verification of expression of interest payments
To ensure a smooth process, the committee also organized a comprehensive IT training for officials and delegates to familiarize them with the online voting system and election procedures.
Despite initial challenges relating to delegate apathy and delayed registration, the committee successfully registered 40 delegates across the six geopolitical zones, representing what it described as a sufficient participation threshold to proceed with the election.
Voting Extended Due to Low Early Turnout
The election officially commenced at 10:00 a.m. on March 28, 2026, with delegates verified before voting commenced on the online platform.
However, due to low turnout during the early hours of voting, the committee extended the voting period from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to allow more delegates to participate and satisfy the required constitutional voting threshold.
At the end of the exercise:
- 40 delegates were registered
- 21 votes were cast
- Voter turnout stood at 52.5%
- All 21 votes were valid
- No invalid votes were recorded
The committee described the process as peaceful, transparent, and credible.
Newly Elected National Executive Officers
Following the collation of results, all candidates who contested were declared duly elected after satisfying constitutional requirements.
The newly elected officers include:
- National President – Dr. Evangelist Babatunde Willoughby
- First Vice President – Maduka Esther Chidinma
- Second Vice President – Osasumwen-Eboigbe Juliet
- General Secretary – Onome Emmanuel Otueroro
- Financial Secretary – Ajibade Adewale Akeem
- Public Relations Officer (PRO) – Favour Morgan
- Welfare Officer – Opeyemi Dina
- Provost – Onaghise C. M. Oghogho
- Youth Leader – Isa Inuwa
- Women Leader – Rahmat Ahmad Bello
Some positions, including Assistant General Secretary, Treasurer, and Social Secretary, were not contested during the election.
Notably, the emergence of several persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities into leadership positions was celebrated as a major step toward inclusive representation and self-advocacy within the disability movement in Nigeria.
Swearing-In Ceremony Held
As part of post-election activities, elected officers were issued electronic Certificates of Return, while election reports and records were officially archived.
The swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected executives was held on April 4, 2026, and conducted by Barrister Bola Salami.
Stakeholders within the disability community have since congratulated the new leadership while commending the outgoing administration and Electoral Committee for conducting what many described as one of the most organized virtual elections within Nigeria’s disability advocacy space.
A New Chapter for Disability Advocacy
The successful conduct of the AIDDN National Election 2026 is being viewed as a major boost for democratic participation among organizations of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
Observers say the transition demonstrates the growing capacity of disability-focused organizations to leverage technology for inclusive governance, transparency, and nationwide engagement.
With Dr. Tunde Willoughby now at the helm, expectations are high that the association will continue advocating for the rights, inclusion, empowerment, and recognition of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Nigeria.
For many members and stakeholders, the election signifies not just a change in leadership, but the beginning of a renewed commitment toward stronger advocacy, inclusive participation, and sustainable growth within the intellectual and developmental disabilities community in Nigeria.
