The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Ayuba Gufwan, has urged persons with disabilities to actively seek elective offices, assuring them of the commission’s full support.
Gufwan made the call in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Directorate of Persons with Disabilities of the Inter-Party Advisory Council during a courtesy visit to his office.
He said he was committed to supporting qualified persons with disabilities to participate in politics, stressing that inclusion in governance is both necessary and achievable within Nigeria’s democratic system.
The NCPWD boss expressed his desire to see persons with disabilities occupy political offices at the federal, state and local government levels.
Referencing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Gufwan said building an inclusive society remains possible, adding that persons with disabilities must take deliberate steps to be part of decision-making processes.
He drew from his personal experience, noting that despite living with a disability, he contested and won elections in his home state, demonstrating that political success is attainable.
Gufwan also encouraged persons with disabilities to take inspiration from former United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who led his country during World War II despite living with polio.
“Disability is not a minus but a plus,” he said, urging persons with disabilities across the country to recognise their potential and contribute to national development through politics.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of IPAC, Abdulkarim Okolo, commended the commission for promoting inclusion and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.
He, however, called for sustained advocacy to ensure adequate representation of persons with disabilities in governance.
Okolo advocated for the introduction of reserved seats for persons with disabilities at national and state levels, noting that such measures would enhance their participation and visibility in leadership.
He also urged the commission to ensure persons with disabilities are included in all electoral processes, including serving as election observers.
The meeting focused on strategies to boost the participation of persons with disabilities in the 2027 general elections, with stakeholders emphasising the need for collaboration, policy support and inclusive frameworks.
