Deaf members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State have raised concerns over their persistent marginalisation, especially during the party’s recent primary elections ahead of the July 12, 2025 local government polls.
The APC had conducted primaries on May 10 across all 57 local council areas to select chairmanship and councillorship candidates. However, members of the APC Deaf Support Group say they were left out of the process once again.
During a press conference held in Ogba, Lagos, the group’s chairman, Onifade Fatai, described the situation as part of a recurring pattern of exclusion faced by the deaf community in political and governance processes.
“Despite widespread rhetoric on inclusive governance, the deaf are routinely overlooked,” Fatai said. “Others with disabilities are often considered for appointments and political participation, but the deaf community continues to be excluded.”
He dismissed the argument that deaf individuals’ dependence on sign language interpreters compromises confidentiality, saying such reasoning is outdated and discriminatory.
“In a world driven by technology, it’s unacceptable to claim we can’t participate fully in politics. Many of us are educated, tech-savvy, and communicate effectively using smartphones, social media, emails, and video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Google Meet,” he noted.
Fatai explained that interpreters are only necessary when interacting with people who do not understand sign language, and emphasized the need for broader sign language education to bridge the communication gap.
He urged political parties to move beyond symbolic gestures and ensure the genuine inclusion of persons with disabilities in leadership, policy-making, and electoral contests.
“Real inclusion means having a seat at the table—not just being seen but being heard and allowed to contribute meaningfully,” Fatai concluded.
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