Questions have continued to trail the composition of the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) mobilisation structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, with concerns raised over representation, diversity and the eligibility of some of those listed.
The concerns emerged following the release of the campaign council’s membership structure, which includes 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 Misbahu Lawan Didi as Secretary, PWD Mobilisation II.
One of the major concerns is the perceived lack of diversity among the four representatives listed under the PWD mobilisation structure. Critics have noted that three of the four appointees are persons with physical disabilities, while the list does not appear to include representatives from other disability groups, including the Deaf, blind, persons with albinism and other clusters.
Stakeholders argue that a campaign structure intended to mobilise the diverse disability community should reflect the broad spectrum of disabilities in Nigeria and provide opportunities for different disability groups to have a voice in the political process.
Another major concern is the absence of women with disabilities from the four-member PWD mobilisation structure. This has prompted questions about gender representation and whether women with disabilities were adequately considered in the selection process, particularly given their contributions to party mobilisation and electoral activities.
The development has already triggered a petition from the Forum of APC Women with Disabilities, which called on the party leadership to review the composition of the campaign council and ensure the inclusion of qualified women with disabilities in appropriate positions.
There are also questions surrounding the inclusion of Hon. Tolu Bankole. Critics have questioned whether he meets the definition of a Person with Disability, arguing that the position was specifically created to represent and mobilise PWDs. However, such claims would require clarification from the individual concerned or the APC, particularly regarding the basis of his inclusion in the PWD structure.
The inclusion of Misbahu Lawan Didi has also generated controversy, with the Forum of APC Women with Disabilities alleging in its petition that he is no longer an APC member and had moved to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The group questioned the rationale for including an alleged former APC member in the PWD mobilisation structure while active women with disabilities within the party were excluded.
These concerns come against the backdrop of Nigeria’s large disability population and longstanding demands for greater political participation and representation of Persons with Disabilities. Disability advocates have repeatedly called for inclusive political structures that recognise differences in disability, gender and other forms of diversity.
For the APC, the concerns provide an opportunity to clarify the criteria used in selecting members of the PWD mobilisation structure and to demonstrate that the representation is broad-based, inclusive and reflective of the diversity of the disability community.
Stakeholders are therefore calling on the party to review the list, address concerns surrounding the representation of women and different disability groups, and clarify questions raised about the status and eligibility of some of the individuals listed.
As the APC begins preparations for the 2027 presidential election, the manner in which these concerns are addressed could have implications for the party’s engagement with the wider disability community and its efforts to mobilise PWD voters across the country.
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