Despite ‘assault’, Kaduna deaf man returns for voter registration, dreams of becoming LG chairman
For years, fear of unknown kept Umar Abdullahi away from election polling units.
The hearing and speech-impaired young man had convinced himself that he would never again go near a voting centre after a previous election left him traumatised when political thugs assaulted and intimidated him. Like many persons with disabilities, he feared that simply exercising his constitutional right could come at a painful cost.
But Blueprint found him at the Disability Colony near the Central Mosque along Kano Road in Kaduna, where TAF Africa, in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), organized a Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) mobilization exercise for persons with disabilities.
Blueprint observed that Abdullahi was among the most eager participants to share his story. After noticing our correspondent interviewing another participant, he patiently waited for his turn before enthusiastically indicating that he also wanted to speak.
What followed was an unusual interview.
Unable to hear nor speak, Abdullahi communicated with Blueprint entirely through handwritten notes, text messages and gestures. Yet beyond the written words, it was the expression in his eyes that told an even deeper story—one of determination, quiet pain and unwavering hope. Mixed with bitter emotions was a resolve to help pull persons with disabilities out of years of neglect, exclusion and abandonment.
Abdullahi, a graduate of Kaduna State Special Education School, told Blueprint that he and several members of the deaf community travelled several kilometers down to the PVC registration centre after learning about the exercise.
For them, the journey was not merely about obtaining or updating a Permanent Voter Card; it was about reclaiming a democratic right many had either been denied or had abandoned because of fear and discrimination.
“I came because I want to vote for leaders that will change our country,” he wrote.
“I want a government that will solve insecurity, improve education, create jobs, improve the economy and give hope to poor Nigerians.”
The 24-year-old, who operates a small shop selling PVC materials, cement and plastic doors, said doing business has become increasingly difficult, but insecurity and poor leadership worry him even more.
Recalling his painful experience during a previous election, Abdullahi said violence at the polling unit shattered his confidence.
“I was afraid because of thugs and violent people around the polling unit. Since then, I stayed away from elections.”
He explained that although he was not seriously injured, the intimidation and chaos frightened him so much that he resolved never to participate again.
According to him, the presence of violent youths and drug abusers around polling units discourages many persons with disabilities from voting.
“Many people like us become afraid. We don’t know what can happen.”
Despite those memories, Abdullahi said he has decided to summon fresh courage ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“I will vote this time,” he wrote confidently. “I am a Nigerian citizen. Voting is my right.”
His appeal to government is simple.
He wants stronger security at polling units to protect vulnerable voters.
“Government should send enough police and security personnel to protect persons with disabilities during elections so we can vote without fear.”
Beyond casting his vote, Abdullahi carries a dream that many would consider extraordinary.
He hopes that within the next 10 years he will contest for the chairmanship of Kaduna North Local Government Area.
“I want to become chairman,” he wrote with a smile.
Asked why, his response reflected his lifelong desire to advocate for others.
“I want to stand for human rights and defend persons with disabilities.”
He believes that disability should never be a barrier to leadership.
“If Allah gives me the opportunity, I will serve everybody, especially people who have been forgotten.”
His aspiration mirrors the growing desire among many persons with disabilities not only to participate in elections but also to occupy positions where they can influence policies affecting their lives.
The outreach where Blueprint met Abdullahi formed part of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) Mobilisation for Persons with Disabilities, organised by TAF Africa in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).