By Thompson Yamput
The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has urged its members to participate actively in politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mr Abdullahi Usman, the National President of the association, made the call while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lokoja through the National Publicity Secretary, Mr Solomon Yahaya.
Usman urged persons with disabilities (PWDs) to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the ongoing registration exercise being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“It is not just about getting PVCs, but also being ready to vie for political positions of your choice to demonstrate your capacity, just like every other Nigerian citizen, come 2027,” he said.
The JONAPWD president described PWDs as trustworthy citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to national development and transforming the country if given the opportunity.
He called on PWDs who were yet to register to ensure they obtained their PVCs at any INEC designated registration centres nationwide.
“To have the power to exercise your civic rights, you must make yourself available for the ongoing PVC registration exercise.
“This second phase of the exercise is taking place at INEC offices in the 774 local government areas across the country,” he said.
Usman also commended INEC for its commitment to inclusiveness, noting that the commission had promised to accommodate different clusters of persons with disabilities during the registration process.
He added that the PVC also served as a valid means of identification for other important transactions, aside from voting.
According to him, parents, guardians and aides of persons with disabilities should assist them to update or obtain their PVCs where necessary.
The JONAPWD president further urged the Federal and State Governments to allocate a percentage of political appointments and elective positions to persons with disabilities, similar to the consideration given to women and youths.
He also appealed to political parties to fully embrace inclusiveness by providing equal opportunities for PWDs to showcase their God-given potentials.
“Persons with disabilities are not second-class citizens, but equal citizens like every other Nigerian.
“We therefore call on INEC to ensure that political parties adhere strictly to the principle of inclusivity in the 2027 general elections,” he said. NAN
