Joseph Kaura emerges Chairman as members demonstrate unity and democratic spirit
In a remarkable display of unity, inclusion, and democratic engagement, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) has successfully inaugurated a new executive committee to pilot its affairs for the next term.
The peaceful and highly anticipated election took place on Tuesday, May 6th, 2025, and drew participation from various disability clusters across the FCT. Members turned out in their numbers to vote, reaffirming their commitment to the ideals of representation, advocacy, and collective progress within the disability community.
A Tight Race for the Chairmanship
In the most keenly contested position of the day, Joseph Kaura of the Physical Cluster clinched victory as Chairman, narrowly defeating his opponent, Kenneth Echiche from the Blind Cluster, in a close race. Kaura secured 19 votes to Echiche’s 16—a testament to the competitive spirit and democratic maturity displayed by the delegates.
Other Key Victories
Other notable wins included that of Susan Kelechi (Physical Cluster), who emerged as the 2nd Vice Chairman after defeating Rex Erameh of the Albinism Cluster with 19 votes to 14. In the contest for Secretary General, Sola Aderigbe from the Deaf Cluster garnered 20 votes to beat his rival Musa Muazu Musa (Physical Cluster), who managed 12 votes.
In one of the most overwhelming victories of the day, Maureen Egede from the Spinal Cord Injury Cluster won the Treasurer position by a landslide, scoring 29 votes against Abubakar Nuhu Bature (Physical Cluster), who received just 4 votes.
The Women Leader position was also tightly contested, with Aver Akighir (Physical Cluster) narrowly defeating Ruth Madojemu (Albinism Cluster) by 17 votes to 16. Meanwhile, Miriam Galadimma secured the role of Chief Whip with a wide margin, polling 21 votes against Hosea Dikko’s 13 votes.
Unopposed Candidates Also Take Office
Several candidates were elected unopposed, underscoring the confidence the community placed in their leadership. These include:
. Vice Chairman 1: Ayoade Beyioku-alase(Deaf cluster)
- Assistant Secretary: Matthew Asu (Albinism Cluster)
- Planning and Organizing Secretary: Kabiru Bello (Physical Cluster)
- Public Relations Officer: Kalu Eke (Blind Cluster)
- Welfare Secretary: Olusola David Ojo (Spinal Cord Injury Cluster)
- Social Welfare Officer: Comfort Ekwo (Blind Cluster)
- Sports Secretary: Kaka Mallam (Physical Cluster)
- Abuja South Zonal Coordinator: Adam Sarki (Persons with Leprosy Cluster)
- Abuja North Zonal Coordinator: Auwal Tijani (Physical Cluster)
Democracy in Action
The election process was transparent, peaceful, and inclusive—hallmarks of a mature and growing movement. Delegates from different disability clusters came together in unity to elect leaders who will represent their interests, advocate for their rights, and drive forward the agenda for disability inclusion in the FCT and beyond.
Speaking after his victory, the newly elected Chairman, Joseph Kaura, expressed deep appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to run an inclusive, transparent, and service-driven administration that leaves no one behind.
At the time of this report, a few positions remain unresolved. The comprehensive list of all newly elected officers will be published in subsequent updates.
A New Dawn for Disability Advocacy in the FCT
The successful election of the new JONAPWD FCT executive marks a new chapter for the disability community in Abuja. With leaders now in place across various roles and clusters, expectations are high for meaningful representation, robust advocacy, and greater inclusion in governance, public policy, and development initiatives.
As the new executives take office, all eyes will be on how they harness this momentum to deliver lasting impact for persons with disabilities across the FCT.
