The Yayi for Governor Special People Support Group, operating under the Caucus 7202 Coalition in Ogun State, has dissociated itself from alleged anti-party activities involving some individuals within the disability community.
The group, comprising Persons with Disabilities who support the All Progressives Congress, said it remained firmly committed to the APC, the governorship ambition of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, and the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its State Coordinator, Alfa Kamal Olatunji Lawal, and other officials, the group said it was compelled to clarify its position following what it described as activities that could create the impression that it had become involved in anti-party engagements.
The group alleged that some individuals who participated in an APC programme in Abeokuta on August 13, 2026, subsequently invited a Peoples Democratic Party senatorial candidate to the Fati Lamin Abubakar Centre, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, for a political interaction.
It also alleged that members of the same circle had engaged with individuals associated with other political parties.
The support group, however, stressed that it respected the constitutional rights of individuals to make their political choices, but insisted that the activities were neither authorised nor endorsed by it.
It said, “Such activities were not carried out on behalf of, authorised by, endorsed by, or associated with the Yayi for Governor Special People Support Group.”
The group therefore urged members of the public and political stakeholders not to attribute the activities of individuals to its structure without proper authorisation.
“Our position is clear and unequivocal: Yayi for Governor Special People Support Group is an APC-aligned support group, and our loyalty remains firmly with the APC and its leadership,” it stated.
The group said its political alignment was also consistent with the leadership of the APC Special Constituency, under the National APC Special Leader, Tolu Bankole, and the Ogun State APC Special Leader, Fatai Ajibgbarе.
The group said it had commenced grassroots mobilisation across the 20 local government areas of Ogun State as part of efforts to strengthen the APC’s electoral fortunes.
It said its members were reaching out to PWDs, their families, friends, colleagues and other residents in their communities.
According to the group, its members also participated actively in the recently concluded voters’ registration exercise by encouraging eligible citizens to register ahead of the forthcoming elections.
It said the mobilisation would be sustained to generate support for APC candidates, particularly Yayi, whom it described as its preferred candidate for governor.
Explaining its support for the Ogun West senator, the group said its backing was based on his experience, capacity, record and vision for the state.
It said it expected a Yayi administration to promote greater inclusion of PWDs in governance and economic activities.
Among its expectations are sustainable empowerment and employment opportunities for PWDs, full implementation of the Ogun State Disability Act 2017 and the establishment of an effective disability commission or agency headed by a qualified PWD.
The group also called for increased political representation for qualified PWDs through appointments, elective positions, boards and government agencies.
It further advocated inclusive policy-making that would give PWDs a meaningful role in government decision-making.
Another key demand is the establishment of three vocational rehabilitation centres, one in each senatorial district, to provide rehabilitation, vocational training and skills acquisition for PWDs.
The group said these demands formed part of its advocacy for an Ogun State where disability would not constitute a barrier to political participation, economic opportunities or leadership.
Reaffirming its political allegiance, the group said it would continue to operate peacefully within the APC structure and mobilise support for Tinubu, Yayi and other recognised APC candidates contesting legislative and other elective positions.
It added that while individual citizens remained free to make their political choices, no individual or organisation should associate the Yayi Special People Support Group with political activities without its authorisation.
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