Political parties in Nigeria serve as the primary gatekeepers for democratic participation. While the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 guarantee the right of all citizens to partake in public life, access to candidacy is often determined within party structures well ahead of general elections. Persons with disabilities face significant barriers in these internal processes, with fewer than 30% of polling units deemed accessible and only 22% of party offices having basic accessibility features. This policy brief argues that reliance on discretionary “welfare” gestures is insufficient. It highlights five structural barriers—ranging from unenforceable internal policies to prohibitive nomination fees—and calls for the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) to adopt Minimum Internal Democracy Standards to transform political parties into gateways for inclusive leadership.
The systemic exclusion of persons with disabilities from party politics is driven by interconnected barriers, including the insufficient operationalization of inclusion in party constitutions, discriminatory nomination fees, and physically inaccessible primary election processes. Despite the existence of legal protections, implementation remains weak, leading to a view of persons with disabilities as mere voting resources rather than as potential leaders. The brief outlines the statistical scale of exclusion, noting that over half of political party websites are inaccessible to visually impaired users, and a significant percentage of candidates with disabilities experience discrimination during primaries.
To address these gaps, the brief presents three policy options: maintaining the status quo, implementing voluntary measures, or adopting minimum standards. The recommended approach involves the IPAC coordinating enforceable standards for party constitutions, nomination fees, and accessibility, which could create systemic, sustainable inclusion. Recommendations include reviewing party guidelines, ensuring accessible venues, and designating internal focal points for monitoring disability inclusion. The conclusion emphasizes that for political parties to thrive, they must embrace inclusivity, thereby broadening their talent pool and better connecting with the electorate.
Click here to read the full report: https://jonapwdng.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Final-Policy-Paper-2.pdf
