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2023 OFF-CYCLE POST-ELECTION PRESS STATEMENT

POST-ELECTION PRESS STATEMENT BY TAF AFRICA ON THE PARTICIPATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE OFF-CYCLE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTIONS  Issued: 2:00 pm, Sunday, 12th November 2023. Location: Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo state TAF Africa undertook a comprehensive observation mission during the 2023 off-cycle election in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo states. With a team of 30 trained observers deployed in each state; particularly in polling units with the highest number of registered persons with disabilities, our primary focus was evaluating the compliance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the deployment of assistive tools for persons with disabilities, access to priority voting in line with the electoral act as well as the overall experience of persons with disabilities at the polls. The specific assistive tools included the Braille ballot guide for the blind, large graphic posters for the deaf, and magnifying glasses for persons with albinism. In a positive development, there was a notable improvement in the participation and overall experience of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) during the 2023 off-cycle election, in contrast to the general election held earlier in the year. TAF Africa acknowledges the efforts made by INEC in enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for PWDs in the electoral process. However, our observation uncovered certain challenges and incidents that require urgent attention and remedial action. KEY FINDINGS:
  • Improved Participation and Overall Experience of PWDs:
We acknowledge the commendable efforts made by INEC to enhance the participation and overall experience of PWDs in the 2023 off-cycle election. Compared to the previous election, there was a noticeable improvement in providing necessary assistive tools and ensuring a more inclusive voting process.
  • Uneven Assistive Tool Deployment:
Despite the progress, there was uneven deployment of assistive tools across the observed states. Bayelsa state recorded the highest percentage of deployment at 61% based on the 30 selected polling units, while Kogi and Imo state experienced low deployment at 36% and 33% respectively, raising concerns about the consistency of INEC's implementation of disability-inclusive measures.
  • Person with Disabilities Voter Inducement:
TAF Africa notes with concern the recorded incident of PWD voter inducement in the off-cycle states. For instance, in St. Luke Sec school, Agudama Epie polling unit, Epie ward 1, Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa state, some party agents engaged in vote buying, thereby causing chaos and disorderliness in the polling unit. This challenges the integrity of the electoral process and emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance and enforcement of electoral laws to maintain a free and fair electoral environment.
  • Security Incident in Imo State:
A critical incident occurred in Dimoma Hall Amambaa polling unit, Ikeduru LGA, in Imo state, where gunmen dispersed voters. TAF Africa condemns any form of violence that disrupts the democratic process, and we call on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and take necessary actions to ensure the confidence, safety, and security of voters in subsequent elections. RECOMMENDATIONS:
  • Standardized Deployment of Assistive Tools:
TAF Africa recommends that INEC establishes and enforce a standardized protocol for the adequate deployment of assistive tools, ensuring equitable distribution across all states and polling units with registered persons with disabilities during elections. This will contribute to a more consistent and inclusive electoral process.
  • Enhanced Security Measures:
Considering the security incidents in Imo and Kogi states, we urge security agencies to enhance security measures to prevent and respond swiftly to incidents that threaten the safety of voters. This includes proactive measures to deter and respond to any acts of violence that could undermine the electoral process.
  • Strict Enforcement of Anti-Inducement Laws:
TAF Africa calls on political parties and relevant authorities to enforce strict penalties for voter inducement. This will help maintain the integrity of the electoral process and foster a transparent and accountable political environment.
  • Continuous Stakeholder Engagement:
We encourage continuous collaboration and engagement between INEC, political parties, security agencies, PWDs, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Regular consultations will facilitate the identification and resolution of challenges, promoting a more inclusive and accessible electoral process. In conclusion, TAF Africa remains committed to advancing the rights and inclusion of PWDs in Nigeria's democratic processes. We commend the positive steps taken by INEC and other stakeholders but emphasize the need for continuous improvement to ensure that no one is left behind in Nigeria’s democratic journey.   SIGNED: Amb. Jake Epelle CEO/Founder, TAF Africa Convener, Disability Inclusion Ni

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Stakeholders’ Preparedness for a Disability Inclusive Governorship Election in Anambra State

PRESS STATEMENT TAF AFRICA TO HOST LIVE TELEVISION STAKEHOLDERS’ ENGAGEMENT ON DISABILITY-INCLUSIVE ELECTION PREPAREDNESS IN ANAMBRA STATE In its sustained effort to promote disability-inclusive democratic processes in Nigeria, TAF Africa, with funding support from the European Union through the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN 11) Programme, will host a Live Television Stakeholders’ Engagement on the preparedness of key institutions to deliver a disability­ inclusive governorship election in Anambra State. The 2-hour live broadcast is scheduled for Sunday, 12th October 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It will besimultaneously streamed from Anambra state on Arise Television, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Awka, and the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) to ensure wider public reach and visibility. The televised engage1nent aims to provide a public platform for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, the media, and the community of persons with disabilities (PWDs) to discuss institutional readiness, collaboration, and commitments toward ensuring an accessible, inclusive, and credible election in Anambra State on November 8, 2025. According to Ambassador Jake Epelle, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, “Elections are not truly democratic until every eligible citizen, including persons with disabilities, can participate on an equal basis. This live engagement provides an avenue for transparency, public accountability, and shared responsibility among critical stakeholders ahead of the Anambra governorship election.” The engagement will feature two high-level panel sessions. The first session, moderated by Amb. Jake Epelle will bring together representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to discuss institutional and security preparedness. The second session, moderated by George Anwayi, Senior Programme Officer at TAF Africa, will engage media executives and disability advocates, including the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), the General Manager of NTA Awka, and the Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service, to explore inclusive media coverage and public awareness strategies. This live engagement forms part of TAF Africa’s broader #AbletoVote campaign under the EU-SDGN II programme, designed to strengthen disability-inclusive electoral reforms, promote civic participation, and inspire public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system. TAF Africa aims to create a barrier-free political environment that promotes the full participation of persons with disabilities in the country’s democratic journey by bringing critical voices to the table and broadcasting the discussion live to millions of Nigerians. For media enquiries, please contact: Lynn Agwuncha, Senior Communication Officer, TAF Africa, 07068091367 or l.agwuncha@tafafrica.co https://youtu.be/k89KkHX5u7c

TAF Africa and European Union in Nigeria make history with first PWD Legislative Internship program

https://youtu.be/yHteZEpn1oU History was made at Nigeria’s National Assembly! For the first time, interns with disabilities worked inside legislative committees, shaping conversations and proving that democracy is stronger when it is inclusive. Watch their inspiring journey in TAF Africa‘s new documentary, funded by the European Union in Nigeria under its European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria programme.

TAF Africa hosts Capacity building workshop on Disability-Inclusive Budgeting and Budget Analysis for Disability Cluster Leaders in River State funded by Disability Rights Fund

DRFCapacity building workshop on Disability-Inclusive Budgeting 17 DRFCapacity building workshop on Disability-Inclusive Budgeting 16 DRFCapacity building workshop on Disability-Inclusive Budgeting 15 DRFCapacity building workshop on Disability-Inclusive Budgeting 14 TAF Africa hosted a Capacity building workshop on Disability-Inclusive Budgeting and Budget Analysis for Disability Cluster Leaders in River State, funded by Disability Rights Fund. The objective of this workshop is to strengthen the capability of Disability Leaders to advocate for equitable budgetary allocations in line with the Rivers State Disability Law and the Sustainable Development Goals. The workship focused on strategies and best practices to influence Budget priorities through advocacy and engagement, presented by our Senior programme officer George Anwayi Dominic. Participants also delivered a group work on analysing Budget allocations for disability inclusion (sectoral focus -Education, health and social welfare). This session was facilitated by Dr. Igochukwu Wali, Director Budget, River State ministry of Budget and economic planning.

Mr. Ralph-Michael Peters visits TAF Africa HQ

EU delegation visits TAF 3 EU delegation visits TAF 2 EU delegation visits TAF 1 EU delegation visits TAF The team leader & Political Analyst, European Union Election Follow-up Mission to Nigeria, Mr. Ralph-Michael Peters visited us yesterday. He came to follow up on the implementation status of the European Union in Nigeria Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) recommendations from the 2023 General Elections, particularly on disability inclusion.

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