The President of Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities International Inc. (ERPWDI-USA), Chief Eric Ndubueze Ufom, has warned individuals and organisations planning to participate in the disputed October 18–21, 2026, National Convention of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Kaduna State to exercise caution, insisting that the absence of a court injunction does not automatically make a disputed action lawful.
Ufom, in a statement addressing the leadership crisis within JONAPWD, called on relevant law enforcement and regulatory agencies to investigate alleged irregularities surrounding the planned convention, including claims of unconstitutional leadership arrangements and the collection of nomination fees through private bank accounts.
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He argued that individuals who had received formal warnings, legal notices and relevant court processes should carefully consider the legal implications before participating in activities whose legitimacy remains contested.
According to him, the absence of an interlocutory injunction should not be interpreted as blanket immunity from potential civil or criminal liability where independent evidence establishes unlawful conduct.
The ERPWDI-USA president cited the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, provisions of the Criminal Code Act and other applicable laws in arguing that alleged violations of corporate governance requirements and the handling of organisational funds require proper investigation.
He also referenced Cross River State High Court Suit No. HC/336/2022, which he said addressed the validity of constitutional documents associated with the dispute, as well as a pending Federal High Court matter, Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1824/2026.
Ufom further alleged that nomination fees ranging from N50,000 to N100,000 were being collected through private bank accounts in connection with the disputed convention.
He called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action if evidence of criminal wrongdoing is established.
The allegations and legal interpretations contained in the statement have not been independently verified. Any determination of criminal responsibility would depend on the available evidence and due legal process.
The statement also called on the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan, to intervene in the dispute and clarify the recognised leadership structure of JONAPWD.
Ufom maintained that the Board of Trustees (BoT), under Life Chairperson Lady Omotunde Ellen Thompson, should be recognised as the legitimate authority to restore constitutional order within the association.
He warned legal practitioners who might participate in the disputed convention that they could face petitions before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee if evidence established professional misconduct.
The ERPWDI-USA president said the prolonged leadership dispute had undermined the interests of Nigerians with disabilities, who, he argued, deserved transparent administration, accountable leadership and meaningful participation in decisions affecting their welfare.
He described the crisis as part of a wider struggle against institutional exclusion and alleged impunity in organisations established to represent persons with disabilities.
BoT Chairperson’s Convention Suspension
Ufom further emphasised what he described as decisive constitutional action by the JONAPWD Board of Trustees, asserting that Lady Omotunde Ellen Thompson, in her capacity as Life Chairperson of the BoT, had the constitutional and legal authority under the association’s foundational 2008 Constitution and CAMA 2020 to suspend the disputed October 18–21, 2026, National Convention in Kaduna State.
He maintained that the suspension remained in force, although the legal status and scope of the purported suspension would need to be established by reference to the association’s governing documents and any relevant court orders.
Explaining the broader implications of the proposed transition, Ufom said the association needed a period of restructuring, rebuilding and reform before conducting another national convention and election.
He argued that Nigeria’s prolonged security challenges, including terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, displacement and community conflicts, had created difficult conditions for citizens, particularly persons with disabilities, who often face additional barriers to protection, rehabilitation and access to essential services.
Ufom stated:
“Since two decades, Nigeria has been going through epidemic of insecurity, terrorism, kidnapping, bandits, internally displaced persons, irreconcilable community disputes, toxic, stressful, traumatic and deadly environment which today, have spread across the entire 36 States/FCT and 774 LGAs of Nigeria and there is no way that Nigerian can find a non-kinetic sustainable solutions to them without suspending the entire JONAPWD-National activities and embark on the one year (October 2026-December 3-10, 2027) Restructuring, Rebuilding and Reformation Transition as ordered by the JONAPWD BoT Life Chairperson.”
He said the proposed transition was intended to create an opportunity to review the association’s structures, strengthen accountability and prepare for a future national convention and election.
Proposed 2027 Convention in Abuja
According to Ufom, the proposed transition would pave the way for a JONAPWD national convention and election scheduled for December 3–10, 2027, in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
He said the proposed dates would coincide with several international observances, including the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 and International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9, as well as the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on Human Rights Day, December 10.
Ufom said aligning the proposed convention with these observances would provide an opportunity to reaffirm the association’s commitment to transparency, financial accountability, disability inclusion and the rights of persons with disabilities.
He also referenced the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and relevant domestic anti-corruption laws as frameworks for promoting accountability and protecting the interests of members.
The proposed 2027 convention dates, transition arrangements and the authority to suspend the 2026 convention remain matters requiring confirmation from the association’s governing documents and relevant authorities.
Ufom concluded by calling for accountability, respect for applicable laws and the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities. He reiterated that the absence of an injunction should not be treated as permission to engage in unlawful conduct.
He reaffirmed the disability rights movement‘s enduring principle: “Nothing About Us, Without Us.”
