Emma Elekwa
Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Anambra state has called on members to take advantage of 50% reduction of expression of interest and nomination form fees by the national leadership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to actively participate in the forthcoming Local Government Elections.
State Chairman, Comrade Okeke Ugochukwu in a statement on Wednesday said their active engagement in the political process should not only end in voting, but as aspirants, candidates, mobilizers, and leaders at the ward and local government levels.
He said the elections offered opportunity for his members to contribute meaningfully to local decision-making, development planning and service delivery.
Okeke commended APGA National Chairman, Mr Sly Ezeokenwa for the gesture, which he described as a timely and courageous intervention, demonstrating responsive leadership and clear commitment to inclusive, people-oriented politics.
He said, “We warmly commend the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the recent approval of a 50% reduction in both expression of interest form and nomination form fees for Councillorship and Local Government Chairmanship positions ahead of the forthcoming local government elections.
Timely and courageous intervention
“This progressive decision is a timely and courageous intervention that demonstrates responsive leadership and a clear commitment to inclusive, people-oriented politics.
“At a time when the cost of political participation continues to exclude many capable citizens especially persons with disabilities, this step significantly lowers economic barriers and opens democratic space for broader grassroots involvement.
“From an advocacy perspective, this policy direction is particularly commendable for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), who have historically faced systemic exclusion from political processes due to financial, physical, and attitudinal barriers.
“By reducing the cost of entry, APGA has taken a concrete step toward translating inclusion from rhetoric into action.
“We recognize this decision as being in alignment with the principles of equity, social justice, and participatory governance, as well as the spirit of the implementation of Anambra State Disabilities Rights law 2018, National Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2019 and global best practices on inclusive democracy.
“In light of this opportunity, we issue a strong call to action to Persons with Disabilities across Anambra State to seize this moment.
Active engagement
“Actively engage in the political process, not only as voters, but as aspirants, candidates, mobilizers, and leaders at the ward and local government levels.
“The inclusion of PWDs in governance is not an act of charity; it is a democratic necessity.
“Communities benefit when leadership reflects diverse experiences and lived realities.
“The forthcoming local government elections present a strategic opportunity for PWDs to contribute meaningfully to local decision-making, development planning, and service delivery.
“We therefore encourage political parties, civil society organizations, and electoral stakeholders to further support this inclusive pathway.
“They should provide accessible information, fair internal party processes, and an enabling environment for aspiring candidates with disabilities.
“Once again, we commend the APGA National Chairman and the state party leadership for this people-focused reform and urge sustained commitment to inclusive political participation beyond this electoral cycle.”
