We need more people with disabilities in Lagos politics – Centre

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) and other stakeholders have advocated the active involvement of individuals with special needs in political activities in Lagos State.

They made the call at a “Stakeholders Dialogue on Way Forward in Enhancing the Participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Political and Electoral Process in Lagos State,"  calling for inclusive political participation in Lagos State, focusing on disability rights and policy changes.

Supreme News reports that the programme was organised by CCD with support from Voice Nigeria.

They emphasised the importance of inclusive political participation and highlighted the need to remove barriers, such as societal norms and perceptions, to ensure equal political representation.

Mrs. Florence Chima-Austin,Head of Finance and Administrative, CCD, outlined some challenges faced by persons with disabilities in participating in politics, including the need to review political party policies and sensitise members of political parties and the general public on the rights of PWDs.

She also emphasised the need for inclusive policy for communities in different parties to be involved, sensitising people on their rights.

Speaking on the theme, Mr. Kayode Afolabi, the Chairman, Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB), Alimosho Chapter, in his presentation, educated aspiring politicians with disabilities about the procedures involved in the political system and how to go about it.

Highlighting types of disabilities to include physical, sensory, mental health, and learning difficulties, Afolabi affirmed that PWDs faced a lot of challenges.

According to him, general challenges facing PWDs include societal and structural barriers, physical barriers, communication barriers, attitudinal barriers, and legal and policy barriers.

He listed other challenges that also include stigma and discrimination, saying “negative attitudes lead to social exclusion.”.

Speaking on accessibility issues, the chairman said that inadequate infrastructure always limits the mobility of PWDs.

On economic barriers, Afolabi said that limited access to education and jobs increases poverty rates among PWDs.

He also said that PWDs had challenges with health care accessibility as well as in political participation.

On political participation of PWDs, Afolabi said: “Inaccessible polling stations and party offices prevents full participation.

“Lack of accessible information formats (braille, sign language) excludes many PWDs.

“Lack of awareness and sensitivity among political parties and the public marginalizes

“Outdated or poorly enforced laws fail to protect political rights,” he said.

On way forward to enhance political participation of PWDs in Nigeria, especially in Lagos State, Afolabi advocated improving accessibility to ensure all public buildings, including polling stations were fully accessible to them.

Calling for inclusive communication, the chairman said urged the political stakeholders to always provide political information in multiple accessible formats.

On education and sensitization, Afolabi said there was a need to raise awareness about the rights and capabilities of PWDs.

Speaking on strengthening legal frameworks, he called for an update and enforce laws protecting political rights.

Afolabi called for an enhanced access to education and employment for PWDs for the economic empowerment of the special people.

“Addressing the challenges faced by PWDs in political and electoral processes is vital for creating an inclusive society.

“By breaking down barriers and promoting accessibility, we can ensure that the voices of PWDs are heard and valued in our democratic systems.

“This dialogue is a significant step towards achieving these goals, and I look forward to our discussions today.

Various speakers advised PWDs on how to get involved in politics whenever they chose to do so.

PWDs in attendance were given the opportunity to register with some of the of the available political parties present at the programmes to foster their effective participation in political practices.

Christiana Njoku, Programme Manager, CCD, explained that the project was targeted at engaging stakeholders and advocating political participation in the Disability Act.

According to her, the project focuses on enhancing access to justice, political participation, and democratic governance for youth, elderly women, and PWDs.

She said that so far, key achievements recorded in engagements includedestablishing contacts within the Nigerian Police Force and NSCDC to address disability rights issues.

She emphasised the importance of political participation and encouraged the audience to join a political party to get involved in governance.