CATHOLIC DIOCESES OF GBOKO, NIGERIA PROJECTS

In 2022, HAPI partnered with the Catholic Dioceses of Gboko, Nigeria, to implement a project that aimed at enhancing political participation among women, elderly, and youths with disabilities in Benue State. The project was designed to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in participating in the political process in Nigeria.

To achieve its objectives, the project team embarked on a series of activities, including advocacy visits to the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Benue State Office for Disability Affairs (BESODA), and the All Progressive Congress. The team also conducted research on pre-election assessment of Benue state Independent electoral commission provisions for PWDs participation at the 2023 Nigeria general elections.

Additionally, the team organized sensitization programs for front-line political parties, media talk shows, and consultative meetings on provision of legal support services to PWDs in Benue state. The team also sensitized PWDs on continuous voter registration and leadership representation and commemorated the International Day for Persons with Disabilities in Benue State.

The impact of the project was significant. The team secured commitment from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, Benue State Office for Disability Affairs, and Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC) on ensuring PWDs participation in elections and politics on an equal basis in Benue State.

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) mobilized 17 Political Parties Chairmen who were sensitized by HAPI and secured commitments to ensure PWDs participation at their various party activities and programs at the different levels. They also pledged to create inclusive structures, policy frameworks to accommodate PWDs and encourage their full participation.

The project team also enhanced the knowledge of right holders on the challenges of PWDs participation in politics and areas to address to promote inclusion. PWDs in Benue State have indicated interest to register and contest in future elections, and HAPI and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) have agreed to have an MOU to accommodate PWDs in all political parties in Benue State.

In conclusion, the project was a step in the right direction towards ensuring inclusivity in the political process in Nigeria. It is essential that other stakeholders take a cue from this project and work towards creating an enabling environment for persons with disabilities to participate fully in the political process. When persons with disabilities participate in the political process, it leads to inclusive decision-making and policies that cater to the needs of all members of society.