27: North-West PWDs pledge five million votes for Tinubu, Abba Yusuf
Kola Oyelere, Kano
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Persons with disabilities (PWDs) under the auspices of the Society for People with Disability Forum, North-West, have pledged to mobilise five million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in the 2027 general elections.
The forum also disclosed that it had reached an understanding with Governor Yusuf that members of the disability community would be considered for commissioner positions and other political appointments if they supported his re-election bid.
The group announced its endorsement during a sensitisation programme in Kano aimed at educating persons with disabilities across the North-West on the importance of participating in elections.
It said the decision was informed by what it described as efforts by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administrations at the federal and state levels to improve the welfare, inclusion and political representation of persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the event, a representative of the forum, Suleiman, said members from 19 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), had gathered to express their support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
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He identified 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 steps taken by the Federal Government to address the concerns of the community.
Suleiman also said the Federal Government had reserved five per cent of appointments across ministries,
departments and agencies for persons with disabilities.
He expressed hope that the policy would translate into increased employment opportunities and political appointments if Tinubu secured a second term.
The forum’s secretary, Adnan Daneji, who spoke through an interpreter, said the sensitisation programme was organised to appreciate what he described as government efforts to support persons with disabilities.
Representing Governor Yusuf, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and People with Special Needs, Hajiya Amina Sani-Abdullahi, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting inclusion and ensuring that persons with disabilities were not merely beneficiaries of government policies but also active contributors to their formulation.
She said the administration had introduced practical measures to improve their daily lives, including providing wheelchairs to patients with spinal cord injuries to enhance mobility, independence and dignity.
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The commissioner also highlighted the promotion of para-sports, which she said had created opportunities for persons with disabilities to showcase their talents, build confidence and participate in recreational and competitive sporting activities.
The forum said it would sustain its mobilisation efforts across the North-West ahead of the 2027 general elections.