The Society for People with Disability Forum in Nigeria's North-West region has announced its endorsement of President Bola Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf for the 2027 general elections. During a recent sensitisation programme in Kano, the forum pledged to mobilise five million votes for the two leaders. This move is part of the group's efforts to encourage persons with disabilities to participate in the electoral process.
According to the forum's National Chairman, Yarima Suleiman, the endorsement is based on the contributions of the All Progressives Congress-led governments to the welfare of persons with disabilities. Suleiman cited the establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the appointment of a Senior Special Assistant to the President on disability matters as significant initiatives. These efforts have positively impacted the lives of persons with disabilities, prompting the group to pledge its support.
The forum's pledge to mobilise five million votes represents a significant show of support for Tinubu and Yusuf. Suleiman expressed confidence that if Tinubu wins re-election in 2027, persons with disabilities will receive greater representation in government. He also mentioned that the group is seeking a five per cent appointment allocation for persons with disabilities across ministries, departments, and agencies.
In Kano State, the forum's state chairman, Sa'adu Ibrahim, said members have benefited from welfare programmes introduced by the Federal and state governments under the APC. He urged persons with disabilities to participate actively in the 2027 elections, citing the group's intention to reciprocate government support by voting for APC candidates. This move is expected to boost the electoral fortunes of the party in the state.
Governor Abba Yusuf has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to disability inclusion. Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and People with Special Needs, Hajiya Amina Sani-Abdullahi, Yusuf highlighted his administration's practical interventions to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. These initiatives include providing wheelchairs to people with spinal cord injuries and promoting para-sports.
The provision of wheelchairs has restored mobility, independence, and dignity to spinal cord injury patients, while para-sports activities have created opportunities for persons with disabilities to showcase their talents and build confidence. Yusuf's administration has prioritised the inclusion of persons with disabilities in governance, recognising their potential as active contributors to the state's development.
The forum's endorsement of Tinubu and Yusuf comes as political mobilisation gathers momentum ahead of the 2027 elections. The group's pledge to mobilise five million votes is a significant development in the electoral landscape, highlighting the importance of disability inclusion in Nigerian politics.
Key points
- The Society for People with Disability Forum has pledged to mobilise five million votes for President Bola Tinubu and Kano Governor Abba Yusuf in the 2027 general elections.
- The group's endorsement is based on the contributions of the All Progressives Congress-led governments to the welfare of persons with disabilities.
- Governor Yusuf's administration has introduced practical interventions to improve the lives of persons with disabilities, including providing wheelchairs and promoting para-sports.
