…A Personal Overview and Tribute to the Executive Governor of Enugu State, and a Wake-up Call for Other Parties in Enugu State for Emulation
The recent State Congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, which produced a new set of state party executives, marks a commendable milestone in the advancement of inclusive governance and democratic participation in Enugu State party politics and governance.
Of particular significance is the emergence of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Enugu State as members of the State Executive Committee of the party, in the persons of Hon. Jude Chuka Eze as the State Leader of the APC PWDs, and Barr. Sunday Anthony Egbo as the State Deputy Leader, respectively.
This development is not merely symbolic; it represents a profound step toward recognizing the rights, dignity, and political capacity of Persons with Disabilities in the democratic process in Enugu State.
For decades, PWDs in Nigeria, and indeed Enugu State, have faced systemic barriers to political participation, often relegated to the margins of governance and policy formulation. Their inclusion in the leadership structure of a major political party is therefore a welcome and progressive shift.
The inclusion of PWDs in the APC State Executive in Enugu State reflects the growing consciousness that democracy must be participatory and representative of all segments of society. A truly democratic system cannot thrive when a significant portion of the population is excluded from decision-making processes.
This laudable development can also be viewed within the broader context of the inclusive governance philosophy being promoted by the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
Since assuming office, His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring that governance in Enugu State reflects the principles of equity, social justice, and inclusivity.
Under his administration, deliberate steps have been taken to integrate Persons with Disabilities into governance structures, policy discussions, and developmental planning. The establishment and strengthening of institutions that protect the rights and welfare of PWDs in the state, as well as the encouragement of their participation in public life, have helped create an environment where inclusion is increasingly becoming the norm rather than the exception. The ripple effect of such policies is now becoming evident in political party structures.
When the government promotes inclusion, other institutions—including political parties—are encouraged to reflect similar values.
The emergence of PWDs as members of party executive bodies is therefore a natural progression of the inclusive governance framework currently taking root in Enugu State under the APC as a ruling party, and under the state leadership of His Excellency and the new State Party Chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike.
It is important to emphasize that Persons with Disabilities are not objects of charity or sympathy; they are citizens with rights, talents, competence, and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to leadership and governance. Their participation in party administration and governance enriches democratic discourse, strengthens representation, and ensures that policies emerging from political platforms are more responsive to the needs of diverse populations.
Political parties serve as the foundation of democratic governance. They are the vehicles through which leaders are recruited, policies are developed, and public offices are contested. When parties embrace inclusion, they strengthen the legitimacy and credibility of the democratic process.
For this reason, the steps taken by the APC in Enugu State should be commended and encouraged. It sends a powerful message that the political space is open to all citizens regardless of physical ability.
However, the journey toward full inclusion must not stop with one party alone. Other political parties operating within Enugu State—such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party, and others—are strongly encouraged to adopt similar principles in their congresses, conventions, and electoral processes.
Institutionalizing the participation of Persons with Disabilities in party structures and governance—whether through designated leadership positions, inclusive electoral processes, or accessible meeting environments—will significantly deepen democracy and strengthen political representation in the state.
Inclusive political participation aligns with both national and international legal frameworks that recognize the rights of Persons with Disabilities to participate fully in public life. It is also consistent with the spirit of progressive governance that Enugu State continues to champion.
As Enugu State moves forward on its path of development and democratic consolidation, the participation of Persons with Disabilities in political leadership and governance should no longer be viewed as exceptional but as a standard democratic practice.
The recent APC State Congress in Enugu State has therefore set an example worthy of emulation throughout all states of Nigeria.
By opening the doors of party leadership and governance to Persons with Disabilities, the government and the APC in Enugu State have taken a step toward building a political culture that reflects fairness, equity, and social inclusion.
The hope now is that this momentum will continue to grow—across all parties, institutions, and levels of governance—until the political landscape of Enugu State becomes a model of inclusive democracy in Nigeria.
When every citizen, regardless of physical ability, has a seat at the table of leadership, democracy becomes stronger, governance becomes more responsive, and society becomes more just.
Enugu State has taken a step in that direction.
The task now is for every political stakeholder to ensure that the door of inclusion remains permanently open.
From:
His Honour,
S. A. Egbo
Executive Secretary,
Enugu State PWDs Commission;
Deputy Leader, APC PWDs, Enugu State.