By Lanre Oloyede
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has called for the amendment of the Nigerian Constitution and Electoral Act to ensure equal political participation for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
Hon. Abba Isa made this call at a one-day validation meeting organized by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) and CARE Foundation, with the theme: Promoting Inclusive Democracy – Call for Active Participation of Persons With Disabilities in the Nigerian Political Space.
The meeting focused on validating research results on three critical areas:
1. Accessibility Audit of Political Party Offices in Nigeria.
2. PAGE Analysis of the Disability Act in States.
3. Minimum Standards for the Inclusion of PWDs in Nigeria’s Political Space.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Hon. Abba Isa, the Director of Media and Communications in his office, Lanre Oloyede, emphasized the importance of inclusive democracy in Nigeria.
“As we gather for the WFD/CARE Validation Meeting, I am reminded of the profound importance of our collective mission: promoting inclusive democracy and ensuring the active participation of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s political space,” he stated.
The Senior presidential aide reaffirmed the commitment of his office to championing policies that foster inclusivity. He stressed that accessibility audits, policy analysis, and the establishment of minimum standards are crucial steps toward ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind in Nigeria’s democratic process.
“I urge all stakeholders to join us in this quest. Let us work together to raise awareness about the Disability Act, promote accessibility, and ensure that persons with disabilities are integrated into all aspects of Nigerian society in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.
He further called for collaborative efforts from policymakers, civil society organizations, and political parties to remove systemic barriers hindering the full participation of PWDs in the nation’s political space.
“Together, we can build a Nigeria where everyone has equal opportunities to participate, contribute, and thrive. A Nigeria where persons with disabilities are not marginalized but empowered to reach their full potential. Let this validation meeting be a catalyst for meaningful change,” he concluded.
Founder and Executive Director of CARE Foundation, Dr. Chike Okogwu, highlighted the significance of the meeting, assuring that the recommendations and resolutions reached will help drive policy reforms that promote inclusivity and political engagement for PWDs in Nigeria.
In her remarks, the Program Manager of WFD, Mrs. Olusola Folayan, commended the participants for their dedication in validating the research reports. She assured them of WFD’s continued commitment to advancing accessibility and promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The event brought together key stakeholders, disability rights advocates, and policymakers, all working towards a more inclusive democracy where PWDs have equal opportunities to participate in political processes at all levels.
