The Labour Party (LP) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for failing to appoint Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) into his cabinet, saying that its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, will run an inclusive government as a president.

The party emphasised Obi’s track record in championing the rights of marginalised communities, including PWDs. They highlighted his initiatives and policies that have positively impacted the lives of disabled individuals, making him a suitable candidate for promoting equal opportunities and representation in government.

Kaduna State LP Chairman, Awwal Tafoki, who expressed disappointment over the exclusion of PWDs in the present administration’s cabinet said that the PWDs cannot be ignored as they constitutes about 35million of Nigerian population.

Tafoki, who made this known while receiving TAF Africa, a non-governmental Organisation on advocacy visit for the inclusion of PWDs in political party activities.promised that his party would appoint PWDs as delegates and special advisers to LP National Assembly members from Kaduna.

“Before now, we sell membership card at flat rate, but with TAF Africa’s visit, certain discounts would be given to PWDs.”According to him, the absence of PWDs in key positions of power not only disregards their rights, but also hampers the government’s ability to make well-rounded and inclusive decisions. The party argued that diversity in the cabinet is crucial to understanding and addressing the varied needs of the population.

Asked by newsmen whether his party is satisfied with how the current administration is treating PWDs, he said: “Honestly, we are not satisfied. I have not seen a minister, advisers or commissioners to governors as a PWD.”

In his remarks, TAF Africa’s Assistant Programme Manager, George Dominic Amwai, said that the visit to LP’s Secretariat in Kaduna was to advocate for the inclusion of PWDs in the party’s activities. He added that political parties should create a level playing field to allow PWDs participate in electioneering activities. (The Guardian)

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