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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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EU SDGN Inclusivity Cluster Hosts Media Reflection Meeting With Media Executives, Regulators, and PWD Leadership on Media Inclusivity in Ekiti State

Media executives, regulators, development partners, and leaders in the community of persons with disabilities (PWDs) gathered in Ado-Ekiti on May 26, 2026 for a high-level reflection meeting on media inclusivity, aimed at strengthening inclusive media practices in the lead-up to the Ekiti State 2026 Governorship Election and Beyond. The meeting, convened by the EU SDGN Inclusivity Cluster, a partnership including TAF Africa, Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund (NWTF), International Press Centre (IPC), and Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), created a platform for reviewing progress, identifying gaps, and charting actionable pathways for inclusive media engagement. A central focus of the meeting was the role of the media in ensuring equitable political participation. Through expert presentations and discussions, participants explored how media institutions can better amplify the voices and concerns of marginalised groups, particularly persons with disabilities, in electoral processes. Media Partners, Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) and International Press Centre (IPC) led key session on Media Inclusivity and Democratic Participation in Electoral Processes while the participants also reviewed findings from the TAF Africa Media Political Inclusion Index Assessment, highlighting critical gaps in representation and accessibility across media platforms. 

TAF Africa Concludes Able2Vote Community Outreach Across Six (6) Communities in Ekiti State

Oye? ✅Ikere? ✅Ado North? ✅Moba? ✅Ado West? ✅Ado Central? ✅ Six Communities. Six LGAs. One Powerful Message: Persons with Disabilities are #Able2Vote. Yesterday, we successfully concluded the Able2Vote Community Outreach across Ekiti State.Across multiple communities—engaging simultaneously—we connected with members of the disability community, raising awareness about their rights as citizens and amplifying their expectations of INEC, security agencies, the media, and political actors ahead of the Ekiti 2026 Governorship Election.Across multiple communities—engaging simultaneously—we connected with members of the disability community, raising awareness about their rights as citizens and amplifying their expectations of INEC, security agencies, the media, and political actors ahead of the Ekiti 2026 Governorship Election.As we approach the elections, we call on INEC to: Uphold the constitutional rights of Persons with Disabilities Ensure priority voting and allow self-appointed guides Provide assistive voting devices at polling units Make Form EC40H readily available—no request required Guarantee accessible polling units for all See also:  Ekiti 2026 :TAF Africa Extends ‘Able2Vote’ Community Outreach Enlightenment Campaign to Moba LGA, tasks PWDs on effective participation – TIMES DAILY NIGERIA PWDs Urge INEC, Stakeholders to Prioritize Their Interests During Elections – RADIO NIGERIA 150 PWD Observers to Monitor Ekiti Off-Cycle Election – NAN Ekiti Poll: TAF Africa to deploy 25 Sign Language Interpreters – THE GUARDIAN

A History of TAF Africa – Disability Inclusion Champion

A History of TAF Africa – Disability Inclusion Champion The story of TAF Africa is deeply human. Founded in 2006 by Epelle Jake, his personal experiences of discrimination, exclusion, and limited access to quality healthcare lit a propellant that sparked the response to a shared injustice. It started as a focused platform for the protection of the rights and dignity of persons with albinism, but with each intervention, a broader truth was revealed: the systemic barriers faced by people with albinism were part of a wider ecosystem of exclusion affecting millions of persons with disabilities (PWDs) across Africa. This revelation shaped the evolution of the organization and expanded the scope of work, transforming The Albino Foundation into TAF Africa, a reflection of the continental vision anchored in diversity, equity, inclusion, and participation. This new identity signalled a strategic shift toward influencing systems, policies, and narratives around disability in Africa. Today, twenty years later, we are an advocacy and implementation capacity building partner equipping communities with tools to lead change and is a trusted voice on disability inclusion in development discourse. We operate across Nigeria, collaborating with governments, civil society, and development partners to drive home our mission of inclusion. Our history shows how our advocacy has been translated through our key thematic areas, intersecting elections, governance, education, empowerment, healthcare, and access to justice; drawing from policy, community engagement, and lived realities. We have consistently engaged with lawmakers and government institutions to push for inclusive legislation, political participation of PWDs, and enforcement of disability rights frameworks at national and sub-national levels. We support policymaking with evidence-based advocacy, helping governments design inclusive policies that leave no on behind. Together with our partners and other OPDs, our work with government institutions has culminated in multiple legislative victories like the Nigerian Discrimination Against Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, the national Inclusive Education policy, and the increasing inclusivity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Over the past two decades, TAF’s journey has worked alongside development partners and other NGOs, like the British Council, the European Union, Disability Rights Fund, Sightsavers, MacArthur Foundation, National Democratic Institute, JONAPWD, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and many others to mainstream disability inclusion into broader development programmers. We aim to situate global inclusion frameworks within grassroots, subnational, and national contexts. Looking ahead, our history is a testament to growth, adaptability, and purpose. As Africa’s development conversations increasingly emphasize infrastructure and energy reform, strategic financial and economic alignment, and discerning foreign policy, equity and participation must be at the heart of Africa’s story. For young people seeking purpose, policymakers designing inclusive futures, partners investing for impact, our story is an open invitation to join us as we walk the path of inclusion.

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