Daud Olatunji
The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Ogun State Chapter, has challenged all governorship candidates and political parties in the state to prioritise disability inclusion in their manifestos and governance agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The association urged candidates to move beyond campaign rhetoric and demonstrate concrete commitments to protecting the rights, dignity and interests of persons with disabilities through actionable policies, adequate budgetary allocations and meaningful political representation.
JONAPWD said persons with disabilities must no longer be treated merely as beneficiaries of government programmes but recognised as equal stakeholders entitled to participate in decisions affecting their lives and the development of the state.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Ayodele Awobona, the association acknowledged recent public remarks by a governorship candidate expressing support for the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities, including commitments to accessible public infrastructure, employment opportunities, healthcare support and representation in government.
However, it insisted that such expressions of support must translate into measurable commitments rather than remain campaign promises.
The association, which described disability inclusion as a fundamental human rights issue, called on all governorship candidates, irrespective of political affiliation, to engage directly with the disability community and incorporate its concerns into their political programmes.
Among its demands, JONAPWD called for the full implementation of the Ogun State Disability Law through an effective institutional framework capable of protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.
It also demanded the appointment and inclusion of qualified persons with disabilities in government positions, political structures and decision-making processes.
On economic empowerment, the association urged the next administration to create sustainable opportunities for persons with disabilities in employment, entrepreneurship, agriculture and other productive sectors.
It further called for accessible public infrastructure and transportation systems that accommodate people across different disability categories.
The group also identified inclusive healthcare, education and adequate budgetary provisions as critical areas requiring urgent attention from the state government.
Beyond governance policies, JONAPWD urged political parties and governorship candidates to ensure that campaign activities, public consultations and electoral processes are accessible to persons with different forms of disabilities.
It stressed that inaccessible political engagements and election-related activities would further deepen the exclusion of a community already facing significant barriers to participation in public affairs.
Clarifying its position, the association said it remained non-partisan and was prepared to engage constructively with every political platform willing to advance disability rights and inclusive governance.
It added that its demands were not requests for political favours but legitimate calls for equal rights, recognition and participation in the affairs of Ogun State.
“Our message is simple: We are not asking for political favours. We are demanding recognition of our rights, participation in decisions that affect our lives, and a place at the table where the future of Ogun State is being discussed,” the statement said.
JONAPWD maintained that the 2027 elections offered political parties and governorship candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to inclusive governance by placing disability rights at the centre of their policy proposals.
Reiterating its position, the association declared: “Nothing About Us Without Us,” insisting that persons with disabilities must be actively involved in shaping policies and decisions that affect their welfare and future.
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