The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Ayuba Gufwan, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting qualified persons with disabilities (PWDs) seeking to participate in politics ahead of the 2027 general elections. He made this known during a courtesy visit by delegates from the Directorate of Persons with Disabilities of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the Commission’s office.
Gufwan said he envisions a political system where persons with disabilities actively occupy positions at federal, state, and local government levels. He emphasised that political inclusion is both necessary and achievable, aligning his stance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which promotes inclusivity in governance.
Drawing from his personal experience, the NCPWD boss noted that disability should not be seen as a limitation, recalling how he successfully contested and won elections despite his condition. He encouraged PWDs to remain resilient and take inspiration from former United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose leadership demonstrated that disability does not hinder greatness.
“Disability is not a minus but a plus,” Gufwan stated, urging persons with disabilities to recognise their potential and actively engage in nation-building through politics.
In his remarks, IPAC Executive Director, Mr. Abdulkarim Okolo, commended the Commission’s efforts in advancing inclusion and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. He called for sustained advocacy and the introduction of reserved seats for PWDs at national and state levels to ensure better representation.
Okolo also stressed the need to include persons with disabilities in all electoral processes, including serving as election observers, noting that such steps would strengthen inclusive governance.
The meeting further focused on strategies to boost the participation of persons with disabilities in the 2027 elections, with stakeholders highlighting the importance of collaboration, supportive policies, and inclusive frameworks to ensure no one is left behind in Nigeria’s democratic process.
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