A group of persons with disabilities in the North-West wants five per cent of appointments in federal ministries, departments and agencies reserved for its members. The group says it will back President Bola Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf in the 2027 general elections.
The Society for People with Disability Forum made the demand on Sunday in Kano. The forum’s National Chairman, Yarima Suleiman, spoke at a sensitisation programme, an event meant to raise awareness and encourage persons with disabilities to take part in the elections.
Appointments and votes
Suleiman said the forum expected more representation in government if Tinubu wins a second term.
“I am assuring you that if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wins the 2027 election, we are going to get more appointments in the Federal Government,” he said.
The forum has set a target of five million votes for Tinubu and Yusuf. Suleiman said members from 19 states, including Abuja, were being asked to show interest in voting for Tinubu.
READ RELATED NEWS
Seyi Tinubu Mobilisers to take 2027 campaign to residents’ doorsteps
Tinubu reforms raised poverty, but economy is improving — Bwala
2027:Few things Tinubu needs to do to win the hearts of Nigerian voters
“Today, we call our people with disabilities from 19 states, including Abuja, to show our interest in voting for President Bola Tinubu for a second term, for what the APC has done for us,” he said.
Suleiman also made a claim about Kano. He said the forum had reached an agreement with Yusuf on appointments in the state, in exchange for its support for his re-election bid.
Welfare programmes cited
Suleiman said the forum based its choice on the contributions of APC-led governments to the welfare of persons with disabilities. He named two federal steps.
One is the creation of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. The other is the appointment of a Senior Special Assistant to the President on disability matters.
The forum’s state chairman, Sa’adu Ibrahim, said members had gained from welfare programmes introduced by the Federal and state governments under the APC.
He asked persons with disabilities to take an active part in the elections. He said the group intended to repay what it calls government support by voting for APC candidates at both levels.
Yusuf did not attend the event. The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and People with Special Needs, Hajiya Amina Sani-Abdullahi, represented him.
The governor said his administration had started practical programmes to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. They include giving wheelchairs to people with spinal cord injuries and promoting para-sports, which are sports for athletes with disabilities.
“We have provided wheelchairs to spinal cord injury patients, restoring mobility, independence and dignity,” he said.
He said para-sports had given persons with disabilities a chance to show their talents, build confidence and take part in recreational and competitive sports.
“Persons with disabilities should not be treated merely as beneficiaries of government policies but recognised as active contributors to the state’s development,” Yusuf said.
WHAT READERS SHOULD KNOW
The five million votes is the forum’s own stated target. It is not a verified count of its members or its voting strength.
The five per cent share of appointments is a demand. No reply from the Federal Government is given.
The agreement on Kano appointments is Suleiman’s claim. No reply from the governor is given.
For More News Details, Visit www.NewDailyPrime.news.
