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Towards Inclusive Governance: An Urgent Call for the Appointment of Persons with Disabilities in President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration
The recent ministerial list proposed by President Bola Tinubu has unfortunately overlooked the integral role that persons with disabilities can and should play in Nigerian governance. This omission is not in accordance with the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities Prohibition Act, 2018 which calls for the inclusion of at least 5% of persons with disabilities in public office appointments. The current lack of representation in the Federal Executive Council marks a missed opportunity to advance equality and justice for persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
Prior to the establishment of this cabinet, persons with disabilities, as well as their representative organizations, and the House of Representatives had lobbied for the allocation of 10% of Ministerial positions to individuals with disabilities. Regrettably, despite this concerted effort and appeal, the new cabinet list presented to the Senate for screening and approval includes no ministers identifying as persons with disabilities.
Including persons with disabilities in key governmental positions has tremendous societal benefits. Not only does it affirm our commitment to equality, but it also fosters a more inclusive society that truly represents the diversity of our citizenry. Persons with disabilities bring unique perspectives and experiences to decision-making processes, ensuring that policies and strategies are reflective of and responsive to, the needs and rights of all Nigerians.
This commitment to diversity is codified in the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities Prohibition Act, of 2018, which promotes the rights of persons with disabilities and explicitly prohibits discrimination. By adhering to this Act, Nigeria can strengthen its commitment to human rights and establish an exemplary standard of inclusivity.
Several Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), alongside other political leaders including the international community, had previously called upon President Tinubu to appoint persons with disabilities as ministers. There was even a discussion about the possible creation of a dedicated ministry for disability affairs.
Regrettably, the absence of persons with disabilities in the new cabinet list deflates the hope and anticipation fostered by these discussions.
We are deeply concerned by this oversight, and we, the undersigned representatives of the disability community, wish to draw attention to our immediate demands:
1. Immediate appointment of persons with disabilities into Ministerial positions at the National level and Commissioner positions at state levels.
2. The enforcement of Section 29 of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 which provides to the effect that a minimum of 5% appointment quota for persons with disabilities at all levels of government, including states.
3. Convene a constructive and inclusive dialogue with President Bola Tinubu and relevant governmental authorities to discuss the concerns and aspirations of persons with disabilities.
4. Ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes concerning policies that directly or indirectly affect them e.g., the palliative committee on subsidy removal.
In the spirit of constructive dialogue and our shared commitm
ent to democratic values, we kindly present a timeline of seven (7) days, hoping to see the initiation of measures that address our enumerated concerns. Should the period pass without observable progress, we would feel compelled, albeit reluctantly, to amplify our advocacy efforts. These might encompass peaceful assemblies, exploring legal avenues in alignment with the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities Prohibition Act, 2018, and fostering conversations with both local and global media partners to emphasize the importance of disability representation in governance. Our dedication to inclusive participation remains steadfast, and we earnestly hope for collaborative action in this endeavor.
There is a wealth of untapped potential within Nigeria's disability community that we, as a nation, must harness. Countless individuals with disabilities possess not only the required knowledge and skills but also the fortitude and resilience born from their unique life experiences, making them exceptionally qualified to serve in various capacities. Far from being mere symbols of diversity, these individuals are capable leaders who can drive change, foster innovation, and contribute significantly to our nation's progress. It is high time we move past misconceptions and biases, opening our minds and our government to the rich diversity and talent that exists within the disability community. Inclusion is not charity; it's a compelling imperative for a stronger, more representative, and effective governance.
Inclusive governance is not just about representation; it is about embracing the rich tapestry of experiences within our populace and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their physical or cognitive capabilities, have an equal opportunity to contribute to the nation's progress. As such, we eagerly await a swift rectification in the spirit of equality, inclusivity, and social justice.
Signed By:
1. TAF Africa
2. Disability Rights Advocacy Center (DRAC)
3. Inclusive Friends Association (IFA)
4. Center for Ability, Rehabilitation, and Empowerment (CARE)
5. Freky Andrew-Essien Care Foundation (FAECARE Foundation)
6. The Qualitative Magazine
7. Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN)
8. Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD)
9. National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD)
10. CEDARSEED FOUNDATION
11. Network of Women with Disabilities
12. Alliance for Inclusion
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PRESS STATEMENT: TAF AFRICA LAUNCHES ABLE2RUN CAMPAIGN TO ADVANCE POLITICAL INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN NIGERIA

PRESS STATEMENT TAF AFRICA LAUNCHES ABLE2RUN CAMPAIGN TO ADVANCE POLITICAL INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN NIGERIA Able2Run – Electability Campaign Organised by TAF Africa Palm Hotel, Abuja – May 12, 2026 Democracy finds its deepest meaning not merely in periodic elections, but in the equal participation of all citizens in shaping governance and national development. A democracy that excludes millions of persons with disabilities (PWDs) from political leadership and decision-making cannot truly claim to be inclusive, representative, or just. TAF Africa is proud to launch the Able2Run – Electability Campaign to see the estimated 34 million Persons with Disability in Nigeria actively participate in politics, not only as voters, but as aspirants, candidates, elected officials, and leaders at all levels of governance. The Able2Run campaign seeks to deepen the national conversation on disability inclusion in governance and confront deeply rooted stereotypes that equate disability with inability. Disability is not incapacity. The real barriers for persons with disabilities are the structural and societal obstacles that limit participation. Across the world, history has shown that disability does not diminish leadership capacity. For perspective, the total votes secured by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election were approximately 8.8 million, a number far fewer than the estimated number of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. This comparison underscores a critical point on the strength this constituency possess. If mobilised and politically organised, persons with disabilities represent a voting bloc large enough to both influence elections, and potentially produce elected leaders at every level. Yet, despite these numbers and the potential, the political inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria remains alarmingly disheartening. TAF Africa’s recent comprehensive national studies on the political participation of persons with disabilities between 2019 and 2025 reveal a troubling pattern of exclusion and underrepresentation. The study documented over 200 persons with disabilities occupying political positions across Nigeria. However, only four persons with disabilities were found to have held elective political offices across the national, state, and local government levels within the study period. This represents less than 0.1% of all elective positions in Nigeria. More disturbing is the fact that none of these elected officials were women with disabilities, highlighting a severe intersectional gap affecting women and girls with disabilities in politics. In contrast, the study identified 213 persons with disabilities occupying appointive positions. Over 99% of positions occupied by PWDs are appointive rather than elective, with more than half (55.2%) serving as Special Advisers or Special Assistants on Disability Matters. While appointments remain important, the dominance of such positions raises legitimate concerns about tokenism rather than genuine political inclusion driven by equity, competence, and democratic participation. The research further revealed that between 2019 and 2025, only 116 persons with disabilities presented themselves as candidates for elective positions nationwide. This shows that beyond societal barriers, there is also an urgent need to inspire confidence, mentorship, political consciousness, and leadership ambition among PWDs themselves. At the national level, the rights of persons with disabilities to participate in politics are clearly protected under Nigerian law. The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, specifically guarantees the participation of persons with disabilities in politics and public life. Section 30 of the Act provides that persons with disabilities shall be encouraged to fully participate in politics and public affairs, while the government is mandated to actively promote an environment where PWDs can participate effectively and without discrimination in public affairs, political parties, and governance processes. These protections are also reinforced by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees freedom from discrimination, freedom of association, freedom of expression, and the right of every citizen to participate in public life and governance. Nigeria’s obligations do not end at the national level. Internationally, Nigeria is a State Party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), one of the most important global instruments protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. Article 29 of the Convention clearly guarantees the rights of persons with disabilities to vote, to be elected, to hold public office, and to participate fully in political and public life on an equal basis with others. The Convention further requires governments to ensure accessible electoral systems, accessible voting materials, inclusive political processes, and active participation of persons with disabilities in political parties and public administration. Nigeria, having ratified this Convention, carries both a moral and legal obligation to ensure these rights become realities rather than aspirations. Unfortunately, significant barriers continue to hinder the political participation of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. These include inaccessible polling units and meeting venues, discriminatory attitudes and stereotypes, poverty and lack of financial resources, communication barriers arising from inaccessible information formats, and exclusion within political party structures. Equally concerning is the inadequacy of disability-disaggregated electoral data. Current information from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly reflects fewer than 100,000 registered voters with disability data. This grossly underrepresents the true voting population of persons with disabilities in Nigeria and undermines effective planning for inclusive elections. Political parties also continue to fall short in ensuring full inclusion. TAF Africa’s Political Inclusion Index assessment of major political parties in Nigeria showed that most parties operate only at a moderate or limited level of disability inclusion. While some progress has been recorded, only one of the assessed parties achieved a high inclusion rating. This demonstrates that significant work remains to ensure disability inclusion becomes institutionalised within party structures, policies, and electoral processes. In response to these realities, TAF Africa has opened a national mentorship and coaching programme for aspiring politicians with disabilities interested in contesting elective offices at all levels, including councillorship, chairmanship, State Houses of Assembly, governorships, National Assembly seats, and the Presidency.  This initiative is supported by the European Union, under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme. Through this programme, TAF Africa intends to establish virtual political incubation hubs across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and provide mentorship support to at least 180 aspiring politicians

TAF Africa Launches Able2Run Electability Campaign: A Call To Persons With Disabilities To Contest For Office Ahead of Nigeria Decides 2027

TAF Africa Launches Able2Run Electability Campaign A Call To Persons With Disabilities To Contest For Office Ahead of Nigeria Decides 2027 https://youtu.be/r6rJzCLba7s On Tuesday, May 12th, 2026, TAF Africa, supported by the European Union through its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme formally launched the Able2Run Electability Campaign at Press Conference in Abuja, Nigeria. The Able2Run Electability Campaign aims to see the estimated 34 million PWDs in Nigeria actively participate in politics, not only as voters, but as aspirants, elected officials, and leaders at all levels of governance. Our campaign aims to dismantle the stereotype that ‘disability equals inability’ and to move persons with disabilities from the margins to the center of democratic leadership. We urge persons with disabilities (PWDs) to run for office and reject self-doubt; for political parties to adopt inclusion policies, waive nomination fees for PWDs, and make materials accessible in braille, large print, and audio, and INEC to enforce disability inclusion guidelines and update its voter register with accurate disability-disaggregated data. Register for the Political Leadership Programme (PLP) for PWDs. Our Political Leadership Program (PLP) for PWDs stands part of our collection of flagship campaigns in Inclusive Elections and Governance. It is a national mentorship and coaching programme for aspiring politicians with disabilities interested in contesting elective offices at all levels. We will be establishing virtual political incubation hubs across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and provide mentorship support to at least 180 aspiring politicians with disabilities. If you a person with disability and are passionate about doing your part to transform Nigerian society for the better, to put your commitment on the table for a better future for Nigerian children of all demographics, visit this link: https://tafafrica.co/abletorun-electability-campaign/ and register at the bottom of the page. Moving Forward, more work needs to be done, more people need to be reached, the net needs to widened, and we need more inclusive participation in elections in Nigeria and Africa at large. You can support TAF Africa’s work through donations on our website, volunteering, and sharing our work to your network. 🔗 Support TAF Africa.

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