PWDs Raise Alarm Over APC’s Reassignment of Reserved Slots in Kano

In Kano, people with disabilities raise alarm over discrimination and irregularities in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership structure at the local government level, citing that the party has hijacked positions allocated to the PWDs.

The parties’ positions per the alleged exclusion may contradict the Nigerian constitution, especially the “Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018″, which solely promotes inclusion to address the pressing issues persons with disabilities are facing in the country.

Aftahana Dahiru Sarina, an advocate for disability inclusion and democratic participation in Kano State, raises the alarm in an open letter to the national chairman of the APC, pleading for urgent intervention to address the challenge while exposing how the party excluded the PWDs in its recent election, where positions traditionally reserved for PWDs were reassigned to individuals who are not persons with disabilities.

The letter reads:

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE NATIONAL CHAIRMAN,

All Progressives Congress (APC)

Professor Nentawe Yilwatda

Dear Sir,

With utmost respect, I write to you to express a matter of deep concern regarding recent developments within the party’s leadership structure in Kano State.

Please permit me the honour of introducing myself. My name is Aftahana Dahiru Sarina, a Certified Disability Inclusion Facilitator based in Kano State. I am writing in my capacity as an advocate for disability inclusion and democratic participation.

It has come to our attention that following the recent local government party elections conducted in Kano State, certain leadership changes were made. However, it is both surprising and concerning that positions traditionally reserved for persons with disabilities (PWDs) were reassigned to individuals who are not persons with disabilities.

This action constitutes a significant barrier to political participation for persons with disabilities and represents a step backward for inclusive democracy—not only in Kano State but in Nigeria as a whole.

The exclusion of persons with disabilities from leadership and political participation, particularly through the reassignment of positions meant for them, contradicts the fundamental principle of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD): “Nothing About Us Without Us.” It also raises serious concerns about the party’s commitment, at both national and state levels, to accommodating and empowering persons with disabilities within its governance framework.

Furthermore, such actions undermine the spirit and intent of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, which emphasizes inclusion, non-discrimination, and equal participation in public life. Political parties serve as gatekeepers of democracy. When inclusion is weakened at the party level, it inevitably affects candidate selection, policy direction, and ultimately national governance.

Replacing persons with disabilities in governance and leadership structures carries far-reaching political, social, ethical, and strategic consequences. It is not merely a personnel adjustment; it sends a powerful message about values, representation, and belonging.

Key Implications of Such Replacement Include:

1. Loss of Authentic Representation

Persons with disabilities bring lived experience to leadership. Without their voices, policies affecting them risk becoming theoretical rather than practical. Representation shifts from partnership to exclusion.

2. Erosion of Trust and Credibility

Marginalized communities closely observe how political parties treat their members. Removing PWDs from designated leadership roles may be perceived as tokenism, weakening trust and diminishing the party’s inclusive image.

3. Policy Blind Spots

Leaders with disabilities often champion accessible campaigns, inclusive manifestos, disability budgeting, and accessible communication. Their absence may result in these priorities being sidelined.

4. Internal Demoralization

Such actions discourage participation among party members with disabilities and reinforce systemic barriers, signaling that leadership spaces may not be secure or sustainable for them.

5. Electoral Consequences

Persons with disabilities, their families, and allies constitute a significant voting demographic. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability. In Nigeria, this translates into millions of voters whose political engagement and loyalty are influenced by inclusion and representation.

6. Reversal of Hard-Won Gains

Inclusion in political structures is the result of years of advocacy. Replacing PWD leaders without safeguards risks reversing these gains and reinforcing historical patterns of exclusion.

We acknowledge that leadership transitions are a normal part of democratic systems. However, such changes must be transparent, merit-based, and structured in a way that preserves guaranteed representation for persons with disabilities. The issue is not rotation—it is erasure.

Beyond policy and strategy, this matter concerns dignity. When persons with disabilities are visible in leadership, it sends a powerful message to young Nigerians with disabilities: “You belong here.” Conversely, when such representation is removed without institutional safeguards, the message becomes deeply discouraging.

In light of the foregoing, we respectfully call on the national and Kano State leadership of the APC to urgently review this development and restore equitable representation for persons with disabilities within the party’s structure. Doing so will strengthen democratic inclusion and enhance the party’s credibility and electoral success at both state and national levels.

Inclusive leadership is not charity; it is democratic responsibility.

Best regards,

Aftahana Dahiru Sarina

Kano State, Nigeria.

February 26, 2026

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