June 12 2026
Fellow Nigerians,
Today, as our beloved nation commemorates Democracy Day, I bring you warm greetings on behalf of the disability community in Nigeria. We join millions of Nigerians in celebrating this significant day, which symbolizes courage, sacrifice, freedom, and our collective commitment to democratic governance. I also come bearing a reflective message on the Democracy Day Address delivered earlier today by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as we take stock of our democratic journey and renew our resolve to build a more inclusive, just, and prosperous Nigeria for all.
June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national history. It symbolizes the triumph of the people’s will over oppression and affirms the enduring belief that every citizen deserves a voice in shaping the destiny of our nation. As we honour the heroes and heroines of democracy, we also recognize the countless persons with disabilities who have contributed to Nigeria’s democratic journey, often overcoming significant barriers to participate in civic, political, economic, and social life.
For twenty-seven uninterrupted years, Nigeria has sustained democratic governance. This achievement deserves celebration. Yet, for millions of persons with disabilities, democracy must go beyond elections and political transitions. Democracy must be experienced in everyday life through equal opportunities, accessible services, inclusive institutions, and the full enjoyment of rights and freedoms guaranteed under our Constitution and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act.
As His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR rightly noted in his Democracy Day address, democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives. For persons with disabilities, this means accessible schools, inclusive healthcare systems, decent employment opportunities, accessible transportation, social protection, political participation, assistive technologies, and communities free from stigma and discrimination.
We commend the progress made toward strengthening democratic institutions and promoting national development. However, we must also acknowledge that many persons with disabilities continue to face systemic barriers that limit their participation in governance and access to the dividends of democracy. Too many public buildings remain inaccessible. Too many children with disabilities remain out of school. Too many qualified persons with disabilities remain unemployed. Too many women and girls with disabilities continue to face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.
As beneficiaries of the struggles that secured democratic governance, we have a collective responsibility to deepen democracy by ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind. The true measure of a democracy is not only how it protects the majority but also how it safeguards the rights, dignity, and participation of its most marginalized citizens.
We therefore call on all tiers of government to accelerate the implementation of disability-inclusive policies, strengthen the enforcement of the Disability Act, adequately fund disability institutions, and ensure that persons with disabilities are meaningfully represented in decision-making processes. Inclusion must move beyond policy declarations to measurable actions that improve lives.
We also urge electoral institutions, political parties, and public offices to eliminate barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from participating fully in the democratic process. Democracy thrives when every citizen can vote, be voted for, access information, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
On this Democracy Day, we acknowledge the efforts of disability rights advocates, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), development partners, civil society actors, caregivers, and allies who continue to champion the cause of inclusion and equality. Their work strengthens our democracy by ensuring that the voices of persons with disabilities are heard and respected.
We further recognize the resilience of Nigerians with disabilities who continue to demonstrate courage, innovation, and determination despite numerous challenges. Your perseverance embodies the enduring Nigerian spirit and reinforces our belief that an inclusive society is both possible and necessary.
As Nigeria strives to secure greater prosperity for all its citizens, we emphasize that economic growth, social development, and national progress cannot be fully achieved if millions of persons with disabilities remain excluded. The promise of democracy will only be fulfilled when every Nigerian, regardless of disability status, can participate equally and benefit equitably from the nation’s development.
Let us therefore renew our commitment to building a Nigeria where accessibility is guaranteed, inclusion is mainstreamed, justice is upheld, rights are protected, and opportunities are available to all.
Let us build a democracy that works for everyone.
Let us build a democracy that leaves no one behind.
Let us build a Nigeria where persons with disabilities are not merely beneficiaries of development but active partners in shaping our collective future.
The road ahead may be challenging, but like the heroes of June 12, we remain steadfast in our belief that progress is possible when citizens unite around shared values of justice, equality, and inclusion.
Happy Democracy Day.
Long live the disability community.
Long live JONAPWD.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed:
Abdullahi A. Usman
National President
Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Nigeria
