Stakeholders at the launch of the Able2Run Campaign advocating increased political participation for persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
The All-rights Foundation Africa (TAF Africa), has raised concerns over the continued exclusion of persons with disabilities from Nigeria’s political leadership, despite legal protections and democratic reforms.
The organisation made the observation during the launch of the Able2Run Campaign in Abuja, describing the country’s political system as largely inaccessible to persons with disabilities.
Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, Jake Epelle, said millions of Nigerians with disabilities remain politically invisible, with limited opportunities to contest elections or occupy leadership positions.
According to him, democracy loses its true meaning when a large section of the population remains excluded from governance and decision-making.
Epelle said the Able2Run Campaign aims to challenge social stereotypes, promote equal political participation, and encourage persons with disabilities to seek elective offices across all levels of government.
He explained that Nigeria’s estimated 34 million persons with disabilities represent a major political constituency capable of influencing elections if adequately mobilised and supported.
Only Four Elected in Six Years
Senior Programme Manager at The Kukah Centre, Esrom Ajanya, said findings from TAF Africa’s national study revealed that only four persons with disabilities held elective political offices between 2019 and 2025.
He noted that the figure accounts for less than 0.1 per cent of elective positions nationwide, while no woman with disability emerged in any elective office during the period.
Ajanya described the situation as evidence of deep-rooted exclusion within Nigeria’s political structure.
The report further shows that more than 99 per cent of political positions occupied by persons with disabilities were appointive roles, mostly as Special Advisers or Assistants on Disability Matters.
TAF Africa said the trend reflects tokenism rather than genuine inclusion in governance.
Barriers Limiting Participation
The organisation identified inaccessible polling units, discrimination, poverty, poor funding, and exclusion within political party structures as key barriers limiting political participation among persons with disabilities.
It also criticised weak disability data capture by the Independent National Electoral Commission, noting that fewer than 100,000 registered voters were officially captured with disability data nationwide.
TAF Africa warned that the poor data undermines planning for inclusive elections and political representation.
Mentorship Programme Begins
To address the gaps, the organisation unveiled a free mentorship and coaching programme for aspiring politicians with disabilities.
Supported by the European Union under the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Programme, the initiative will establish virtual political incubation hubs across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The programme targets at least 180 aspiring politicians with disabilities and will provide training in leadership, campaign financing, voter mobilisation, strategic communication, media engagement, and inclusive governance.
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TAF Africa also urged political parties to adopt affirmative action policies, reduce nomination fees, and make party structures accessible to persons with disabilities.
The organisation called on federal and state governments to fully implement the Disability Act 2018 and strengthen support for disability-inclusive democracy in Nigeria.
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