Deaf Kaduna Man Aims for Local Government Chairmanship

Umar Abdullahi Awai, a 24-year-old deaf man from Kaduna, has returned for voter registration despite having been assaulted during previous elections. He expressed his desire to reclaim his democratic rights and hopes to become the chairman of Kaduna North Local Government Area within the next ten years.

Abdullahi, who operates a small shop, faced intimidation and violence from political thugs during past elections, which left him traumatized. However, he remains resolute in participating in the 2027 general elections and urges the government to enhance security at polling units to protect vulnerable voters.

His story reflects the broader challenges faced by disabled individuals in Nigeria, who often feel neglected and abandoned. Abdullahi's journey is part of a voter registration initiative organized by Taf Africa in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), aimed at mobilizing disabled persons to exercise their voting rights.