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2023 OFF-CYCLE ELECTION PRE-ELECTION PRESS BRIEFING

PRE-ELECTION PRESS BRIEFING ON TAF AFRICA’S PREPAREDNESS FOR THE UPCOMING OFF-CYCLE ELECTION IN IMO, KOGI, AND BAYELSA STATES, ISSUED ON FRIDAY, 10TH NOVEMBER 2023 Introduction: We have come to another momentous period in this continuing democratic dispensation, which is the off-cycle elections taking place in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa States tomorrow the 11th of November 2023. The 11th of November holds immense significance for TAF Africa as we embark on our election observation mission. Our team is committed to meticulously monitoring these elections, with a primary focus on how they affect the disability community. We aim to assess the accessibility of polling stations, the availability of assistive tools, and the overall experience of voters with disabilities. Our work extends beyond mere observation; we actively engage with stakeholders, educate voters with disabilities about their rights, and advocate for positive changes to enhance the inclusivity of the electoral process. Through this action, we seek to not only promote fair and equitable elections but also to raise awareness about the importance of disability inclusion in the broader context of democratic governance. This statement, therefore, seeks to communicate to you our preparedness and concerns, ahead of the 2023 off-cycle elections. TAF AFRICA'S PREPAREDNESS TAF Africa is taking the following steps in preparation for the elections: Observers Deployment: We are committed to ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the electoral process. To this end, we are deploying a team of thirty (30) well-trained observers to polling units with registered persons with disabilities in each of the three states. These observers will closely observe the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) level of compliance with the provision of assistive tools for persons with disabilities as mandated by the Electoral Act. This will include the availability of a Braille Ballot guide for the blind, magnifying glasses for persons with albinism, election day written instruction for the deaf ballot guides, as well as access to priority voting, and any other necessary accommodations. Beyond the observation of the responsiveness of the process to persons with disabilities, we will of course also be assessing the general quality and integrity of the elections. Upgraded Election Observer App: As in the general elections held earlier this year, our observation and assessment will be technology and data-driven. TAF Africa has upgraded its election observer app to enhance our data collection and real-time reporting capabilities. This app will allow our observers to transmit information swiftly in real time to our election hubs. This technology will significantly improve the accuracy and timeliness of our observations. PWD Election Hub: In each of the three states, we have established a PWD election hub, where information received from our observers will be aggregated and analyzed in real time. This data will be displayed on our PWD election monitoring dashboard, and accessible to the public, stakeholders, and relevant authorities. This transparency tool is vital for ensuring accountability in the electoral process. SECURITY CONCERNS Regarding the participation of people with disabilities in the impending off-cycle elections, we are extremely concerned about the security situation. Election-related violence has a history in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi. Imo state has seen a high level of electoral and non-electoral violence throughout 2023, so security is a major concern as the election draws near. The community of persons with disabilities might be discouraged from voting if the situation stays unstable. In the two months preceding the election, electoral violence has increased in Bayelsa, while Kogi state has seen the highest number of fatalities from this type of violence. This dire security situation is likely to discourage the participation of persons with disabilities and the general electorate. RECOMMENDATIONS Bearing in mind these concerns and more, we, therefore, wish to make the following recommendations: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC):
  • INEC Should ensure proper coordination with security agencies to forestall incidences of violence and ensure the safety of voters and poll officials on election day.
  • The 2022 Electoral Act stipulates that every person with a disability is entitled to priority voting. INEC should ensure that this right is duly respected by its polling officials and that PWDs are allowed priority voting at their respective polling units.
  • INEC should ensure proper and adequate deployment of assistive tools for persons with disabilities in the Gubernatorial and state assembly elections, such as magnifying glasses, Election Day written instruction (FORM 30E PWD), and braille ballot guide.
Security Agencies: Security agencies should deploy adequate security to polling units to protect voters from violence. The police should also investigate and prosecute perpetrators of electoral violence. Bringing perpetrators of violence to book will demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to a violence-free electoral process. Political Parties:
  • Political parties should commit to conducting peaceful elections and work to prevent their supporters from engaging in violence.
Civil Society Organizations:
  • We urge civil society groups watching the voting process to report any instances of violence or prejudice against people with disabilities.
  • Persons with Disabilities:
  • We also call on persons with disabilities to exercise their right to vote. Do not be intimidated by the threat of violence. Your vote is a civic duty, one vote abstained for no just cause, is a definite vote against our democracy.
  • Conclusion: TAF Africa remains committed to promoting disability inclusion in the electoral process, despite the potential challenge. We call on relevant authorities, political parties, and civil society organizations to prioritize the rights and needs of persons with disabilities.
Together, we can ensure that all citizens, including those with disabilities, can participate in the electoral process freely and without fear. We will continue to work diligently to provide updates and reports on our observations throughout the election. Thank you for your attention.  

SIGNED:

Amb. Jake Epelle CEO/Founder, TAF Africa Convener, Disability Inclusion Nigeria Social Media Handles: Twitter: @TAF_Africa Instagram: @taf__africa Facebook: TAF Africa Website: www.tafafrica.co WhatsApp: 09088757496

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Call for Supply of Laptops and Office Chairs

TAF Africa, a leading disability inclusion organisation advancing the rights, inclusion, and meaningful participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in governance, democratic processes, education, and economic empowerment, is inviting quotations from competent and reputable vendors for the supply of laptops and ergonomic office chairs. This procurement is being carried out under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SGDN) Programme, Component 5B, to equip project staff with the tools they need to deliver on programme objectives. Objective To procure durable, high-performance laptops and ergonomic office chairs for project staff in line with the operational requirements of the EU-SGDN Programme, Component 5B. Scope of Supply S/N Item Minimum Specification Quantity 1 Laptop Computers Intel Core i7 (11th Gen or higher), 16GB RAM or higher, 500GB SSD or higher, backlit keyboard, touchscreen display, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, integrated webcam, original Windows 11 Professional (or latest version) 4 Units 2 Office Chairs High-back ergonomic design, adjustable seat height, adjustable armrests, lumbar support, breathable mesh or premium upholstery, five-wheel base, 360° swivel, gas lift mechanism 6 Units All equipment must be brand-new, come with a minimum one-year manufacturer warranty, and be delivered fully packaged with warranty documentation. Who Can Apply Interested vendors should be able to provide: Certificate of Incorporation (CAC) Valid Tax Clearance Certificate Company Profile demonstrating relevant experience Evidence of at least three similar supply contracts Manufacturer’s Authorization (where applicable) Evidence of warranty support Quotation in Nigerian Naira (NGN), inclusive of taxes, transport, and delivery costs Delivery timeline Evaluation Criteria Submissions will be assessed on compliance with technical specifications, vendor experience, product quality, delivery schedule, warranty and after-sales support, cost competitiveness, and completeness of documentation. Delivery and Payment The successful vendor must complete delivery within 14 calendar days of contract award or issuance of a Purchase Order. Payment will be made after successful delivery, inspection, acceptance of items, and submission of all required documentation. How to Submit Send the following by email: Financial quotation Pictures of items Years of warranty Required supporting documents Email subject line: “Supply of Laptops and Office Chairs” Send to: procurements@tafafrica.co Submission deadline: 12th August 2026 General Conditions TAF Africa reserves the right to accept or reject any quotation without assigning a reason. Submission of a quotation does not constitute a commitment to award a contract. Only shortlisted vendors will be contacted for further clarification or negotiation. All supplied equipment must be genuine, brand new, and free from defects.

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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