By The Qualitative Magazine
Women with disabilities in the All Progressives Congress (APC) have raised the alarm over what they describe as their “total exclusion and under-representation” in the recently released list of members of the APC Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 elections.
In a petition dated 22 August 2026 and addressed to the APC National Chairman and the Director-General of the 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, the APC Women with Disabilities Forum expressed deep concern over the composition of the campaign council, arguing that the list fails to reflect the contributions of women with disabilities to the party.
The petition, signed by Hon. Lois Auta, Convener/National Coordinator of the APC Women with Disabilities Forum, noted that although four men with disabilities were reportedly included in the campaign council, not a single woman with a disability was listed.
The group described the omission as unacceptable and warned that it sends a disturbing message about the recognition of women with disabilities within the party.
‘Where Are the Women With Disabilities?’
According to the petitioners, women with disabilities have consistently participated in APC activities, mobilised supporters, campaigned for the party and contributed to its electoral successes at different levels.
They therefore questioned why women with disabilities were left out of a strategic structure responsible for coordinating the party’s presidential campaign.
“This is unacceptable and sends a wrong message that the contributions, sacrifices, and loyalty of women with disabilities in APC are neither recognized nor appreciated,” the group stated.
The women argued that their exclusion goes beyond the issue of representation, describing it as a matter of equity, recognition and meaningful political participation.
They maintained that women with disabilities should not be confined to the role of ordinary party members while being denied opportunities to occupy leadership and decision-making positions.
Controversy Over Inclusion of Alleged Former APC Member
The group also questioned the inclusion of Mr. Musbau Odidi among persons with disabilities listed in the campaign council.
According to the petition, Odidi resigned from the APC around 2021/2022 and is currently associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The group therefore questioned the rationale for his inclusion in the APC Presidential Campaign Council while active APC members, particularly women with disabilities, were allegedly left out.
The petitioners called for the matter to be investigated and for his name to be removed if the claim about his current party membership is established.
Four Demands to APC Leadership
The APC Women with Disabilities Forum has presented four major demands to the party leadership.
They are calling for an immediate review and amendment of the campaign council list to provide equitable representation for women with disabilities.
They also want qualified women with disabilities appointed to leadership positions within the Presidential Campaign Council, rather than being included merely as token representatives.
The group further demanded the removal of Mr. Musbau Odidi’s name from the list if it is confirmed that he is no longer an APC member.
Finally, the women called on the APC to make a clear commitment to ensuring that women with disabilities are given meaningful opportunities to participate in leadership, campaign structures and other decision-making processes within the party.
‘We Remain Loyal to APC’
Despite their anger over the development, the women stressed that their petition was not an abandonment of the party but a demand for recognition and inclusion.
“We remain loyal to the APC and believe in the ideals of the party,” the petition stated, appealing to the party leadership to listen to their concerns and take corrective action.
The group, however, warned that failure to address the alleged exclusion could lead to lawful actions, including peaceful protests and public engagement, to draw attention to their grievances.
The controversy comes at a time when political parties are positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, making questions around the inclusion of women, persons with disabilities and other historically under-represented groups increasingly important.
For APC women with disabilities, the message is clear: they do not want to be seen merely as voters and mobilisers; they want a seat at the table where political decisions are made.
