Foundation begins advocacy on Political Participation for Persons with Disabilities
Advocacy
By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja, May 16, 2018(NAN) The Albino Foundation (TAF), says it has commenced an advocacy project on political participation for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), in the electoral process, in three states of the federation.
TAF President, Mr Jake Epelle, disclosed this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Abuja on Wednesday, saying that the states include Ekiti, Osun and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Epelle said that the project was being funded through support from the European Union (EU).
He said that the project which is part of the EU’s support to democratic governance in Nigeria would ensure that the PWDs have access to political process.
“TAF with funding from the EU is embarking on a project called enhancing the civic and political participation of persons with disabilities in the electoral process.
“The project whose agreement was signed on April 17, by the European Union, TAF, and other partners has commenced in three states including Ekiti, Osun and the FCT,’’ Epelle said.
He said that the project would further encourage PWDs to participate in the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
Epelle said the project was also aimed at creating enabling environment for the PWD’s to have access to facilities needed to vote and be voted for during elections.
“Disability is not a curse, but due to the way the systems are structured over time, PWDs have been relegated to the background and not recognised.
“For instance, some persons with disability and those with visual impairment among others have never voted because they need special equipment that can aid them to exercise their civil right.
“However, the project will create a medium for advocacy that will inform political and electoral actors on the need to give PWDs a chance to participate in the electoral and political process,’’ he said.
Epelle said that PWDs interested in running for political positions would be identified, mentored and empowered with vital information and training on how to participate and run for political offices.
He added that the project would also involve engagement with INEC officials and political parties.
“While we put our focus on political parties, we are hoping they will be able to give the PWD’s some kind of concessions by providing a platform and slots for them.
“We are hoping that political parties will recognise them within their manifestos while political God fathers with good minds and intentions will come up to support them.
“Our target for the electoral process is to have an increased number of participation of PWD’s at the polling units compared to previous elections,’’ Epelle added. (NAN)
TIM/JTJ/ABI
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Edited by Julius Toba Jegede/Ali Inuwa