Election 2027: High nomination fees exclude aspirants with disabilities, Kano group warns

The Chairman of the Kano State Initiative for Persons with Special Needs, Abdurraq Zango, has expressed concern over financial and institutional obstacles limiting the participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria’s political system ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Zango said the high cost of nomination forms imposed by political parties discourages qualified people with disabilities from seeking elective positions.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano, he argued that many people with disabilities possessed the knowledge, leadership skills and determination to hold public office, but lacked the financial resources to pursue their political ambitions.

High application fees discourage applicants with disabilities

According to Zango, the financial demands of participating in elections remain a major challenge for people with disabilities who aspire to represent their communities.

He explained that the cost of obtaining nomination forms, along with other expenses required during party primaries, puts many potential candidates at a disadvantage.

The disability rights advocate argued that political participation should be accessible to every qualified Nigerian, regardless of physical or other disabilities.

He stressed that people with disabilities could contribute significantly to governance, public policy and national development if they were given fair opportunities.

Zango also accused many political parties of failing to create adequate opportunities for people with disabilities during candidate selection and political appointments.

He called for greater recognition of their leadership potential and more inclusive political structures.

The Kano group questions the implementation of disability laws

Beyond the cost of the election, Zango expressed concern about what he described as poor implementation of existing laws intended to protect the rights of people with disabilities.

He referred to the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, which provides a legal framework to promote accessibility, equal opportunities and protection against discrimination on the basis of disability.

The legislation also requires that people with disabilities constitute at least 5% of the workforce of public organizations, as far as possible.

Zango argued that although Nigeria had established legal protections regarding employment and access to essential services, implementation remained insufficient.

He said stricter enforcement is needed to ensure intended benefits reach people with disabilities.

The Kano Disability Law also raises expectations for inclusion

The President also referred to Kano State’s disability legislation, enacted in 2022, which he said requires two per cent of employment opportunities to be for persons with disabilities.

He expressed concern that the provision had not been properly implemented.

According to him, inclusion efforts should go beyond job opportunities and appointments to create better conditions for people with disabilities seeking elective offices.

Zango acknowledged that some state governments, including Kano, had appointed special assistants to address disability concerns.

However, he argued that such appointments should be complemented by broader measures that allow people with disabilities to directly participate in political leadership.

People with disabilities are calling for greater political representation ahead of 2027

Zango called on political parties and relevant authorities to address the financial and structural barriers affecting aspiring candidates with disabilities.

He said reducing these barriers would create more opportunities for people with disabilities to contribute to decision-making at the local, state and national levels.

The president also called for greater commitment to implementing disability inclusion laws and expanding political opportunities for people with special needs.

His concerns come as political stakeholders prepare for the 2027 general elections, with issues of the cost of political participation and equal access to elective positions remaining central to Nigeria’s democratic development.