14/01/2026
Why Persons with Disabilities Must Be Given Political Space:
The Case for Comrade Adams Smith Surajudeen in 2027.
As Nigeria continues its democratic journey, one uncomfortable truth remains evident: persons with disabilities (PWDs) are still largely excluded from political power, not by law, but by attitude, culture, and systemic neglect. While political leaders routinely speak about inclusion, empowerment, and equal opportunity, these ideals rarely translate into concrete political representation for over 35 million Nigerians living with disabilities.
True democracy is not measured only by elections, but by who is allowed to participate meaningfully in governance. A system that shuts out a significant segment of its population from contesting elective positions cannot claim to be just, fair, or representative. This is why the political ambition of Comrade Adams Smith Surajudeen to vie for a seat in the Ondo State House of Assembly in the 2027 general election deserves not just attention, but broad-based support.
Political participation is a fundamental right, not a privilege reserved for the able-bodied.
The Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to vote and be voted for. Similarly, the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 reinforces the principle of equality and inclusion in all spheres of life, including governance. Denying PWDs political opportunity—whether directly or indirectly—amounts to institutional discrimination and a betrayal of our legal and moral commitments.
Beyond rights, representation matters. Laws and policies affect everyone, but they do not affect everyone equally. PWDs experience governance differently: inaccessible public buildings, unfriendly transportation systems, limited access to education, healthcare, employment, and political processes.
When these issues are discussed without PWDs at the decision-making table, policies often miss the mark. Having PWDs in legislative chambers ensures that lived experiences inform lawmaking, budgeting, and oversight.
This is where Comr Smith Smith stands out. His aspiration is not driven by sentiment or tokenism, but by years of grassroots engagement, advocacy, and commitment to social justice. As a known voice within the disability and civil society space in Nigeria, he understands both the struggles of marginalized communities and the workings of political organization. His ambition represents competence, courage, and a shift from charity-based narratives about disability to rights-based leadership.
Supporting a PWD candidate is not an act of sympathy; it is an investment in inclusive governance. Societies that embrace diversity in leadership tend to make more balanced decisions, foster social cohesion, and strengthen democratic legitimacy.
When children with disabilities see leaders who look like them, they grow up believing they too belong in public life. That psychological impact alone is transformative.
Ondo State has an opportunity to lead by example. By supporting Comrade Adams Smith Surajudeen, political parties, traditional institutions, civil society groups, and voters can send a strong message that leadership is about vision and service, not ones physical ability. It would also align with global best practices and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to which Nigeria is a signatory.
As the 2027 elections approach, the conversation should not be about whether PWDs can lead, but about why they have been excluded for so long. Supporting Comrade Adams Smith Surajudeen is about correcting a historical imbalance and deepening our almost 30 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria. It is about choosing inclusion over prejudice, competence over stereotypes, and justice over convenience.
The future of Ondo State—and Nigeria at large—must be built on participation, equity, and shared ownership of governance. Giving PWDs political space is not a favor; it is a democratic necessity. The time to act is now.
*Courtesy APCPANPWD*
