The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed four Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to key positions in its 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, in a move expected to strengthen the participation and mobilisation of the disability community ahead of the presidential election.
Those appointed are Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa as Director, PWD Mobilisation; Barrister Ayuba Gufwan as Deputy Director, PWD Mobilisation; Hon. Tolu Bankole as Secretary, PWD Mobilisation I; and Hon. Mishabu Lawan Didi as Secretary, PWD Mobilisation II.
The appointments form part of the leadership structure of the APC Presidential Campaign Council announced in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
The development has been welcomed within the disability community, with stakeholders describing the appointments as a significant recognition of the role of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria’s political and electoral process.
The four appointees are expected to coordinate and drive the mobilisation of PWDs across the country, strengthen grassroots engagement, sensitise members of the disability community and encourage their active participation in the 2027 electoral process.
Mohammed Abba Isa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to bring his experience, networks and commitment to the assignment and work towards effective mobilisation of PWDs across the country.
Similarly, the appointment of Tolu Bankole, APC National Leader for Persons with Disabilities, has attracted commendations from members of the disability community, who described his elevation as recognition of his leadership, advocacy and sustained efforts towards disability inclusion.
Barrister Ayuba Gufwan, who serves as Deputy Director of PWD Mobilisation, is also expected to contribute his experience and leadership to the coordination of the disability mobilisation structure, while Mishabu Lawan Didi will serve alongside Bankole as Secretary of the PWD Mobilisation Directorate.
The appointments come amid longstanding calls for greater inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in political parties, governance and decision-making processes. Disability advocates have consistently urged political parties to move beyond treating PWDs solely as voters and create opportunities for them to participate meaningfully in campaign structures and leadership.
The APC Presidential Campaign Council is headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Chairman, with Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, serving as Vice Chairmen. Former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, was named Director-General, while Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, will serve as Secretary.
President Tinubu has charged members of the campaign council to work towards securing victory for the APC in the 2027 presidential election, while encouraging directorate leaders to engage other party members and stakeholders willing to contribute to the campaign.
For the PWD community, the appointment of four disability leaders to dedicated positions within the campaign council is expected to provide a stronger platform for political engagement, grassroots mobilisation and advocacy, while ensuring that the voices and concerns of Persons with Disabilities receive greater attention during the 2027 electoral process.
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