With only seventy days to the 2023 general elections, different political parties and groups are perfecting their strategies towards winning positions. Determined to make an impact, People with Disabilities held a confab where they mapped out strategies to win some seats in the upcoming elections.

They want a balanced and inclusive participation among all candidates and called for a fair playground in the 2023 elections for persons with disabilities at a confab for the electability of PWDs in Abuja.

Convened by The Albino Foundation with support of the European Union, the electability confab for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) drew candidates contesting for elective positions across the country in the 2023 elections to Abuja.

A communique signed by 8 candidates from the PWDs community, vying for different positions from different political parties across the country, stated that the Confab was initiated to build the capacity of Persons With Disabilities and to enhance their chances of winning elections.

Candidates who signed the communique include Abdullahi Ahmad (ADC Candidate, SHoA – Zamfara State), Hon. Ahmed Abdulkareem Onimisi (YPP Candidate, SHoA – Kogi State), Hon Emmanuel Aduku (APC Candidate, SHoA – Kogi State), Hon. Obasi Calistus Maduabuchi (PRP Candidate, SHoA – Enugu State), Rilwan Mohammed Abdullahi (YPP Candidate, HoR – Kaduna State), Hon. Yakubu Nazir Abdulhakeem (YPP Candidate, SHoA – Kogi State), Hon. Lawal Abolaji (NRM Candidate, HoR – Ogun State), Hon. Mrs. Nifemi Aregbesola (PRP Candidate, HoR – Ondo State) , Hon. Wogu Chinoyerem (NRM Candidate, Senate – Abia State).

The programme was attended by the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, the Hon. Minister for Women Affairs, the representative of the European Delegation to Nigeria, the Country Director, Action Aid, and convener Situation Room, the Executive Director, Act Initiative, the Chairman and the members of the Board of Trustees of The Albino Foundation.

Participants appealed to the Legislature to focus more on signing bills that will further empower PWDs to get elected in the coming elections adding that despite being the largest community in the world, the PWDs community remains underrepresented in the parliament and political parties, and that has restricted their abilities to participate actively in decision making.

They argued that the underrepresentation of Persons with Disabilities on ballot papers has also limited the scope of the quality attention they deserve, and, thus it has reduced the impact they should have on society within the ambience of their vision.

They pointed at the challenge of financial incapability as a hurdle that has been impeding the PWDs to live up to their potential while contesting for political offices. Also, the participants fingered discrimination as another barrier to the PWDs community.

Expressing their satisfaction with the Independent National Electoral Commission on its inclusivity policy, the PWDs commended the electoral commission for creating a framework that is friendly to their ambitions and election participation.

The communique, resolved that the PWDs will continue to project themselves in courage and ethics. They noted that through their intellectual capacity, they will continue to contribute to the development of the country to achieve credible elections in 2023.
They also added that the PWDs will continue to work with the electoral umpire and the security agencies to fight against violence to ensure smooth elections in 2023.