Despite the Independent National Electoral Commission’s commitment to support People Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) ahead of the 2023 General Elections and to ensure their participation in the electoral process, discrimination and a hostile system continue to deter PLWDs from pursuing political aspirations. Sodiq Ojuorungbe highlights these challenges through the story of Emmanuel Aduku, a physically challenged individual who, after being publicly adopted by Kogi State Governor Yahyah Bello as his political son, felt hopeful about his political ambitions. Aduku, who contracted polio over 20 years ago, believed that his involvement in politics would demonstrate that there is ability in disability. He aspired to sponsor bills that would improve access to basic needs for disabled persons and inspire others in similar situations to engage in politics.
On May 22, 2022, Aduku won the APC primary election for the Anpka 1 State Constituency, receiving 22 votes against his closest rival, who garnered only three. The constituency celebrated his victory with joy and jubilation, only for that joy to be short-lived when Aduku’s name was mysteriously replaced with that of the runner-up without explanation. Seven months later, Aduku is still fighting to reclaim his mandate. He expressed his frustration, stating, “Disability is not the way we were created but how society treats us; discrimination against persons with disabilities is high in Nigeria.” He emphasized that his name was substituted due to his physical condition and lamented the lack of communication from party leadership in his attempts to resolve the issue.
Aduku’s experience is not unique; many PLWDs face similar or even worse discrimination daily. Cultural beliefs often lead to the perception that individuals with disabilities are cursed, resulting in discrimination that extends even to family members. This pervasive culture strips these citizens of their dignity and their right to participate fully in Nigeria’s development. Discrimination against PLWDs is rooted in negative public perceptions, which hinder their identification, evaluation, and integration into society. This manifests in limited access to employment, public spaces, education, and pervasive stigmatization.
Despite the enactment of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act in 2018, which aimed to promote an inclusive environment for PLWDs, the reality remains grim. The Act mandates that the government encourage the participation of persons with disabilities in politics and public life. However, the implementation of these laws has not significantly reduced the social, political, and economic exclusion faced by PLWDs. Salish Zurmi, a current member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, shared his own struggles with discrimination after refusing to defect to the ruling party. He reported being denied allowances and opportunities because of his disability and his decision to remain loyal to his party.
Another PLWD, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of victimization, recounted how financial constraints and discrimination forced him out of politics. Although he received a nomination form from the All Progressives Congress, he felt rigged out of the process before the primary election even took place. He lamented the hostile environment for individuals with disabilities, stating, “There is still a lot of discrimination against us, and there is no way we can get into political positions unless there is an end to it.” He called for greater accessibility in political party structures and for the Independent National Electoral Commission to enforce representation of PLWDs among candidates.
Kareem Musbau, who became wheelchair-bound after an accident, expressed his frustration at the lack of opportunities for individuals with disabilities in politics. He noted that no political party was willing to provide a platform for him to contest against able-bodied candidates. Abayomi Soetan, a former youth leader for the Association of People with Disabilities in Ogun State, highlighted the disconnect between the government and PLWDs, emphasizing that many policies hinder their political participation. He pointed out that individuals with disabilities often hold advisory roles rather than key positions in governance.
Abdullahi Kebbi, the National President of the Joint National Association for Persons with Disabilities, criticized political parties for their superficial inclusion of PLWDs in campaign committees. He noted that many candidates included PLWDs merely to appear inclusive without genuinely involving them in decision-making processes. Kebbi also pointed out the lack of accessible political manifestos, stating that no presidential candidate has provided materials in Braille for the visually impaired community.
Statistics reveal a troubling reality for PLWDs in Nigeria. A report from the World Health Organization estimated that in 2018, about 29 million Nigerians were living with disabilities, with the most common forms being visual, hearing, and physical impairments. Access to basic services remains limited, and attitudinal barriers continue to impede their socioeconomic inclusion. As the population of PLWDs grows, only 73,609 registered to vote in the upcoming elections, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission. This figure underscores the ongoing challenges faced by PLWDs in participating in the electoral process.
Activists argue that until the Disability Act is fully implemented, PLWDs will continue to face hostility and discrimination. Rose Mordi, founder of the Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria, emphasized the need for education and awareness among PLWDs regarding their rights. She noted that many individuals with disabilities are unaware of their entitlements, which hinders their ability to advocate for themselves. Folorunsho Uthman urged disability groups to unite and press for laws that ensure the participation of PLWDs in politics, advocating for political parties to allocate a percentage of tickets for them.
David Anyaele, Executive Director of the Centre for Citizens with Disability, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that despite the passage of the Disability Act, discrimination remains prevalent. He criticized government agencies for failing to recognize PLWDs in their programs and activities, noting that the barriers they face are largely attitudinal. Anyaele pointed out that the law mandates a five percent employment quota for PLWDs, which has yet to be fulfilled in most ministries.
Efforts to obtain comments from representatives of political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission regarding these issues were unsuccessful. Attempts to reach key officials were met with unresponsiveness, leaving the concerns of PLWDs largely unaddressed as the elections approach.
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