Persons with disabilities demand 80% inclusion in electoral processes

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Ahead of the forthcoming local government election in Kaduna State, Persons With Disabilities (PWD) have demanded at least, 80 per cent inclusion in the electoral processes that will enable them to vote and contest elective positions.
They spoke on the sideline of a one-day roundtable discussion for stakeholders on disability inclusion in the electoral process at the grassroots level in Kaduna State organised by The All-rights Foundation popularly known as TAF Africa and supported by Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.
Chairman, of the Albinism Association, Kaduna State Chapter, Abubakar Adam said, even though the PWD may not get 100 per cent inclusion now, they should get at least 80 per cent inclusion as Nigerian citizens.
He said, “We may not have 100 per cent inclusion now because I believe the inclusion campaign is a work in progress, but, can we at least get about 80 per cent so that we know that we belong here?
“Now PWD have different clusters based on their challenges. So we want a situation whereby all these challenges can be mitigated to a large extent so that PWD in the state can feel included by way of being able to vote and be voted for.
“In decision-making, we want the PWD to be involved in the planning of policies so we can co-own these policies because there is nothing for us without us”, he opined.
Chairman of, the Kaduna State chapter of the National Association of Persons with Physical Disability in Nigeria, Rilwan Muhammed Abdullahi said his knowledge has been broadened in the area of the electoral process particularly the sections of the electoral Act that concern PWD during electioneering.
“Again, I know better how a PWD can aspire for political ambition which before now some of us felt there are laws that prevent us from aspiring for any political position. We were made to understand that there is no law stopping anybody from contesting.
“Then, the need to engage political parties came in handy because any prospective contestant is expected to identify with a registered political party. TAF Africa has done so much in terms of involving people like me in public affairs”, he added.