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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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TAF Africa Trains 150 PWD Observers for #OsunDecides2026 Governorship Election

TAF Africa, under the Able2Vote initiative, has completed a two-day training for 150 Persons with Disabilities (PWD) as Election Observers ahead of the Osun State Governorship Election, supported by the EU-SDGN Programme. Osogbo, Osun State — 23rd–24th July 2026 Ahead of the highly anticipated #OsunDecides2026 Governorship Election, TAF Africa has equipped 150 Persons with Disabilities across Osun State with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to serve as credible, independent election observers. The two-day Election Observers Training took place in Osogbo under TAF Africa’s Able2Vote initiative and the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme. Building Skilled, Confident Observers The training opened with registration and an official welcome session, where George Anwayi, Assistant Programme Manager at TAF Africa, introduced participants to the workshop’s purpose and objectives. This was followed by a presentation from Dr. Andrew Adaji, Programme Manager at TAF Africa, providing an overview of TAF Africa’s Election Inclusion Strategy under the EU-SDGN Programme — setting the stage for why PWD-led observation matters for a truly representative democratic process. Participants then moved into practical, skills-focused sessions covering: The Role of Election Observers — expected conduct, security tips, and personal safety guidance for observers on election day, led by George Anwayi. Using the Observers’ Checklist — practical guidance on applying the checklist effectively to ensure accurate and credible reporting. The TAF Disability Hub App — a hands-on session led by Kohol Iornav, IT Officer at TAF Africa, walking participants through the app’s use for observation and reporting, including a live demonstration of uploading reports and eyewitness entries directly from the field. The day’s learning was reinforced through group discussions and role play, giving observers the chance to practice real election-day scenarios before the training closed with a reflection session and closing remarks from Dr. Andrew Adaji. Why This Training Matters Election observation is only as credible as the people carrying it out — and only as inclusive as the voices it represents. By training 150 Persons with Disabilities as official observers, TAF Africa is ensuring that the accessibility and inclusiveness of the Osun State Governorship Election is monitored by people who understand disability inclusion firsthand. Armed with the TAF Disability Hub App, these observers will be able to document real-time, credible reports and eyewitness accounts directly from polling locations across the state. This effort reflects TAF Africa’s continued commitment to disability inclusion in governance and electoral processes — ensuring that Inclusive Democracy is not just a slogan, but a lived reality for Osun State voters. Partnership and Support This training was delivered under TAF Africa’s Able2Vote initiative, with support from the European Union in Nigeria through the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme.

Advancing Media Inclusivity Ahead of #OsunDecides2026 and Beyond: TAF Africa Convenes Media Executives, Regulators, and PWD Leaders for Reflection Meeting on Inclusive Reporting in Osun State

  Oshogbo, Osun State — Wednesday, 22nd July 2026   As Osun State moves closer to a new election cycle under the banner of #OsunDecides2026, TAF Africa is working to ensure that the voices of women and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are not just heard, but meaningfully reflected in how the media covers the process — and beyond.     In collaboration with the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, International Press Centre (IPC) Nigeria, and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), TAF Africa convened a Reflection Meeting with Media Executives, Regulators, and PWD Leadership on Media Inclusivity in Oshogbo, Osun State. The event brought together over 50 delegates, including senior media executives, regulators, and staff from implementing partner organisations, for a full day of dialogue, reflection, and practical skill-building.   A Day of Reflection and Action The meeting opened with welcome remarks from TAF Africa, followed by a session from IPC providing an overview of the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU SDGN) programme and its partners, alongside updates on inclusive reporting practices and the Media Code of Election Coverage.   Two standout interactive sessions anchored the day’s programme: “Whose Story Made the News?” — an opening exercise led by the Nigerian Women Trust Fund that challenged participants to critically examine whose perspectives are typically centred, and whose are left out, in everyday news coverage. “You Are the Editor” — an interactive editorial challenge involving all participants, designed to put media professionals in the decision-making seat and confront the real editorial choices that shape inclusive — or exclusive — coverage. Between these sessions, CEMESO led a presentation and review of the Media Inclusivity Guidelines, giving media executives and regulators a shared framework for evaluating and improving how their outlets represent women and PWDs.   The day also introduced a forward-looking initiative: IPC and CEMESO jointly presented a Mentorship and Follow-up Framework for Media Houses, laying the groundwork for sustained support and accountability well beyond the meeting itself. The programme closed with an open reflections session hosted by TAF Africa, giving delegates the chance to share commitments and chart a way forward.     Why This Work Matters Inclusive media coverage is not a peripheral issue — it is central to a functioning democracy. When women and Persons with Disabilities are excluded from media narratives, their concerns, candidacies, and contributions risk being excluded from public discourse and decision-making as well. By bringing media executives, regulators, and PWD leadership into the same room, this reflection meeting created space for honest conversation about current gaps and shared commitment to closing them. Inclusive media = Inclusive democracy. Together, we are making it happen.     Funding and Partnership This high-level engagement was made possible through the generous support of the European Union in Nigeria, delivered through the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU SDGN) programme. TAF Africa remains committed to championing disability inclusion and driving equitable representation across every sector of public life — including the newsrooms that shape how Nigerians see themselves and each other.

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