Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State — 17–18 June 2026 As dawn broke over Ekiti State, a diverse group of citizens began arriving at the training venue with a shared sense of purpose. Teachers, community advocates, youth leaders, disability rights champions, and civic-minded volunteers gathered for one reason: to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. Within days, they would be deployed across polling units as election observers — the eyes and ears of democracy — tasked with documenting not only what happened on election day, but also whether every eligible voter, including persons with disabilities, was given an equal opportunity to participate. Recognizing that effective observation takes more than goodwill, TAF Africa convened a two-day training designed to turn this group into informed, objective, and technologically equipped monitors. By the end, they left not merely as observers, but as ambassadors of democratic inclusion. A Cornerstone of Inclusive Election Observation The training in Ekiti State served as a cornerstone of TAF Africa’s election observation strategy under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme. Its focus: strengthening inclusive, credible, and evidence-based election observation ahead of the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election. The programme equipped participants with the knowledge, practical skills, and technological tools required for effective monitoring — with a deliberate emphasis on accessibility, inclusion, and the protection of voting rights for marginalized groups, particularly persons with disabilities (PWDs). While the original plan was to train 150 observers across two batches of 75, turnout told its own story of commitment: 48 observers attended on the first day and 102 on the second. In total, the training reached all 150 registered observers, building a strong network of prepared, informed monitors ready to support a transparent and inclusive electoral process. Setting the Tone The training opened with registration, prayers, and the national anthem, followed by a welcome session led by George Anwayi, Assistant Programme Manager of TAF Africa. He introduced participants to the workshop’s objectives and underscored the significance of their role in promoting electoral accountability and inclusion — stressing professionalism, neutrality, and integrity throughout. Participants also shared their own backgrounds and prior experience in election observation and civic engagement, helping build the collaborative learning environment that carried through the technical sessions to come. Putting Inclusion at the Center A key session, facilitated by Dr. Andrew Adaji, Programme Manager of TAF Africa, gave participants an overview of TAF Africa’s Election Inclusion Strategy under the EU-SDGN Programme. The session unpacked the barriers voters with disabilities routinely face and the interventions TAF Africa has implemented to improve accessibility, voter education, and participation. Participants were introduced to the disability-inclusive indicators that would guide their observation activities on election day — a reminder that credible election monitoring means paying close attention to accessibility measures at polling units and to the lived experiences of marginalized groups. Standards of Conduct and Staying Safe Another core component covered the role of election observers and the standards expected of them: impartiality, objectivity, confidentiality, and professionalism. Facilitators also addressed security awareness and personal safety, guiding observers on how to manage risk, avoid confrontation, and maintain clear communication with relevant authorities on election day. Scenario-based discussions helped participants understand both their responsibilities and the limits of their role as accredited observers. Technology in the Field: The TAF Disability Hub Application Facilitated by Kohol Iornav, TAF Africa’s Information Technology Officer, this session introduced participants to the TAF Disability Hub Application — a digital platform built to support real-time election observation and reporting. Observers learned to document incidents, upload reports, submit eyewitness accounts, and capture data through the platform. A live demonstration and hands-on practice gave participants confidence in using technology for accurate, timely reporting — a critical capability for the days ahead. Practicing with the Observers’ Checklist Dr. Andrew Adaji also led a practical session on the Election Observers’ Checklist, a key tool for gathering standardized, credible data. The checklist covers indicators such as polling unit accessibility, voter assistance, the conduct of election officials, security presence, availability of election materials, and the participation of persons with disabilities. Participants practiced applying the checklist to simulated election scenarios, learning to record observations objectively and steer clear of subjective interpretation. Learning Through Role-Play To bring the training to life, Jennifer Dafwat, Senior Communication Officer at TAF Africa, led group discussions and role-play exercises simulating common election-day situations — from interacting with election officials and reporting incidents, to observing accessibility challenges and engaging with voters with disabilities. These sessions encouraged teamwork and critical thinking, gave facilitators a chance to clear up misconceptions, and — according to participant feedback — stood out as among the most valuable parts of the entire training. Ready for Election Day The training closed with a reflection session and remarks from Dr. Andrew Adaji, as participants shared key lessons learned and voiced their readiness to take on their observation duties during the governorship election. Facilitators reinforced one central message: objective, timely, and credible reporting is what will strengthen democratic governance and electoral inclusion in Ekiti State. With 160 observers now trained and equipped, TAF Africa’s network stands ready to serve as the eyes and ears of democracy — and to make sure the voices and experiences of persons with disabilities are visible throughout Ekiti State’s electoral process.
With funding from the European Union through its support to democratic governance in Nigeria program, TAF Africa trained internally displaced persons in Adamawa, Benue, Bayelsa, and Kaduna states on the 2022 Framework for voting by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), during a sensitization program.
The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at Angwan Zawu temporary camp located in Goni Gora, Chikun Local Government area of Kaduna State appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deploy human and material resources to their camp to enable them to take part in the coming by-election and local government elections.
The Camp Coordinator, Mr. Caleb Nayaro lamented that less than a quarter of about 3,000 displaced persons scattered across five locations under his watch which included Buruku, Kakau, Toll Gate, Sabon Gida, and Buwaya were able to take part in the 2023 round of elections due to insecurity, ignorance among other reasons.
In his remarks, Abdu Bello, the IDP community leader in Adamawa state, represented by Sallau Isa, appreciated the organization for the sensitization and called on INEC to improve voter education, especially for those in the camps, adding that during the 2023 general elections at unit 001 in the community, about 400 votes were cast and over 100 were invalid.
He promised that other displaced persons would be enlightened on the knowledge received from the organization for them to fully participate in subsequent elections.
The Assistant Programme Manager, TAF Africa, Mr George Dominic Anwayi regretted that vulnerable people including the IDPs were excluded from the scheme of things across all tiers of government.
In his words, “Honestly, IDPs have been left behind in Nigeria. So, we need INEC to deploy its human and material resources to ensure they are properly registered and participate in all elections. We know that INEC also makes a case for IDPs to ensure they participate fully in elections, which they may not be aware of. They are supposed to be a part of the electoral process, and this is why we are here.
“We are also calling on the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM) to ensure IDPs are carried along as well in terms of sensitization for them to know their voting rights especially to know the provision in the electoral act. IDP leaders have been trained on the available platform for IDPs to register and vote during elections with the expectation that they would replicate the same to their subject.
“We hope that you now understand that there is a provision for you to participate in elections and where you observe anything contrary to the provisions of the election guideline, you have the right to complain to INEC,” he charged the IDPs.
In Bayelsa state, the Chairman of Bakassi Returnees, Cameroon Camp, Mr.Richman Knight, its coordinator, Chief Osuobotoye Bedford, and Women leader, Beauty Toru, described the program as timely and apt.
Mr. Knight, Chief Bedford, and Mrs. Toru narrated their ordeal while performing their civic obligation and the discrimination they suffered. They appealed to INEC to site polling units in their camps to save time and cost of traveling to other communities to exercise their civic duty. The trio also appealed to the electoral umpire to establish voter registration centers in Internally Displaced Persons camps and host communities to ensure their full participation in the electoral process.
According to the TAF Africa’s program manager, Mr. Olayemi Samuel, the sensitization was premised on the need to increase the knowledge of IDPs on the new regulation and inform them that INEC is working on creating opportunities for IDPs to engage in decision-making processes at all levels. He encouraged the IDPs to get their permanent voter cards to enable them to exercise their franchise in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the State.
