APC chieftain demands legislative seats for PWDs

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Tolu Bankole, has called on political leaders across the country to take deliberate steps toward ensuring the full inclusion of Persons With Disabilities in governance.

Bankole, who is the National Leader of PWDs in the APC, made the appeal in a statement issued on Thursday, insisting that symbolic gestures must give way to measurable representation.

The APC chieftian also acknowledged ongoing efforts by the ruling party under President Bola Tinubu to promote inclusiveness.

“The All Progressives Congress, under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside APC governors across the states, has made notable strides in advancing inclusion for Persons With Disabilities, demonstrating a growing commitment to equity in governance,” he said.

He noted that policy interventions and practical support measures have improved access to opportunities for PWDs, adding that, “the administration has strengthened the implementation of disability-friendly frameworks, expanded access to opportunities, and promoted the visibility of PWDs within public institutions.”

Bankole also cited the recent 50 percent reduction in nomination fees for PWD aspirants as a step in the right direction.

“The recent decision to grant a 50 percent reduction in nomination fees for PWD aspirants reflects a conscious effort to lower systemic barriers to political participation,” he stated.

However, Bankole stressed that such measures were insufficient without actual political representation.

He said, “While I sincerely thank our great party for these inclusive gestures, I must state clearly that it is not enough.

“Reducing nomination fees is important, but inclusion cannot stop at access to forms. It must extend to access to power, representation, and decision making.”

The APC chieftain urged political leaders and stakeholders to go beyond what he described as tokenism by implementing structural reforms that guarantee representation for PWDs.

“I appeal to political leaders at all levels and party stakeholders across the federation to go beyond tokenism and intentionally mainstream Persons With Disabilities into the political process,” Bankole stated.

He further called for the allocation of specific legislative seats to qualified PWD members within the party.

“Our party must go further by deliber ately ceding a fair number of legislative seats at both the state and federal levels to PWDs in a representative and strategic manner. We have millions of qualified, competent, and committed PWD politicians within our ranks who are ready to serve and deliver,” he said.

Bankole also emphasised the need for inclusion in executive appointments, noting that governance structures should reflect societal diversity.

“This deliberate inclusion must not be limited to legislative positions alone. Executive roles at all levels must also reflect this commitment. Inclusion must be seen, felt, and measured in real governance structures,” he added.

Drawing comparisons with global practices, he pointed to examples from countries such as the United Kingdom, Sweden, India, Rwanda, and South Africa, where inclusive frameworks have enhanced political participation for marginalised groups.

“In parts of Europe, disability representation in parliaments is estimated between 3 and 6 percent, with countries like the United Kingdom and Sweden advancing inclusive political participation through strong legal frameworks,” he said.

He, however, lamented Nigeria’s low representation levels. “In Nigeria, despite our population size and democratic maturity, representation of PWDs in governance remains negligible, far below one percent. This gap is not due to a lack of capacity, but a lack of deliberate inclusion,” Bankole noted.

The APC chieftain warned against further delays in implementing inclusive reforms.

“Now is the time for intentional, structured, and measurable inclusion. We must not wait until it becomes too late to correct systemic exclusion. Talking about inclusion when the opportunity to act has passed serves no one’s interest,” he said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the rights and political advancement of PWDs, expressing optimism that the APC could set a national benchmark for inclusive governance.

“Our party has the opportunity to lead by example and redefine political inclusion in Nigeria. Let us rise to this moment and ensure that governance at all levels truly reflects the diversity and strength of our people,” he concluded.