By Abraham Abubakar
The Kogi State APC Disability Campaign Network, has inaugurated its state executive members, Zonal Coordinators, Patrons and Local Government Coordinators in Lokoja, pledging massive support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, in the 2027 elections.
In his opening remarks, Secretary-General of the campaign committee, Hon. Daniel Arome, recognised the Director-General of the network, Hon. Yakubu Nazir (popularly known as “Brain Not Legs”), for his outstanding work in the disability community.
He thanked the administrations of President Tinubu and Governor Ododo for creating an enabling environment for persons with disabilities (PWDs) to thrive. Arome assured that the disability community would deliver more than 70,000 votes for the Tinubu/Ododo ticket in the forthcoming presidential and governorship elections.
Related News
Delivering the keynote address, the Director-General, Hon. Yakubu Abdulhakeem described the inauguration as a significant moment that has brought PWDs from across Kogi’s Local Government Areas under one platform for active political participation. “Persons with disabilities are not spectators in society. We are stakeholders, voters, leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, advocates, mobilisers and campaigners,” he said. “Disability is not inability, and political inclusion is not a favour. It is a right.” he equally stressed.
He praised the APC-led governments for progressive steps, noting that the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, was signed under an APC federal administration. In Kogi State, former Governor Yahaya Bello laid foundational work, including moves toward establishing the Kogi State Office for Disability Affairs. Under Governor Ododo, several PWDs now serve as Senior Special Assistants, Local Government Special Assistants and Ward Special Assistants, while others have secured employment in ministries, departments and agencies.
Abdulhakeem highlighted a shift from temporary handouts to genuine empowerment, citing the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities intervention that provided ₦200,000 business support to several beneficiaries.
He also acknowledged the humanitarian efforts of First Lady of Kogi State ,Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo and the support of Accountant-General, Chief, Dr. Habibat Oyiza Tijjani. He outlined the network’s aims and objectives was centred on organising, mobilising and ensuring full inclusion of PWDs in party activities and governance.
The DG called on APC leaders at all levels to engage the disability community fully in campaigns. “We are ready to work, mobilise, campaign and contribute our strength, voices, networks and votes,” he declared, urging peaceful and responsible participation ahead of 2027.
In a goodwill message, the Senior Special Adviser on Disability Matters to the Governor, thanked Governor Ododo for creating opportunities for PWDs to serve and thrive without being diminished by their disabilities. He pledged 100 per cent votes for Tinubu and Ododo in 2027.
Hon. Murkailu Seidu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kogi State, also thanked the governor for creating a healthy environment and ensuring the security of persons with disabilities, enabling them to thrive.
Hon. Joash Onimayin, Senior Special Adviser on Disability Matters for Kogi West and campaign network patron for the zone, applauded Governor Ododo’s humble and honourable leadership, regular salary payments and transformative impact on the lives of persons with disabilities.
Appointment letters were presented to the newly inaugurated state executives, zonal coordinators, patrons and local government coordinators. Stakeholders in various goodwill messages expressed gratitude to the APC-led governments for giving them “eyes to see, ears to hear and legs to walk.” They reiterated that the disability community is known for honouring its pledges and would deliver more than 70,000 votes for President Tinubu and Governor Ododo in 2027.
The event underscored the network’s commitment to turning inclusion into organised political strength for the All Progressives Congress in Kogi State.
