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Townhall Meeting in Bayelsa State on Persons with Disabilities Mainstreaming in Governance Processes

With funding support from the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, TAF Africa organized a town hall in Bayelsa State on Mainstreaming Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Governance Processes in partnership with the Office of the Secretary to the State Government. In his goodwill message, the Secretary to Bayelsa State Government, Hon. Gideon Ekeuwei said that the government is dedicated to creating an environment where their rights are upheld, and their voices are heard, and is committed to implementing policies that foster inclusivity, remove barriers, and provide equal opportunities for all. In his words, “We consider it a strategic essential for the overall growth of our state, as well as a matter of social fairness, that persons with disabilities actively participate in governing processes. “As the Secretary to the State Government, I assure you that the government of Bayelsa is dedicated to creating an environment where the rights of persons with disabilities are upheld, and their voices are heard. We are committed to implementing policies that foster inclusivity, remove barriers, and provide equal opportunities for all. “I commend TAF Africa for their relentless efforts in advocating for disability inclusiveness and I express gratitude for organizing this Town Hall Meeting. It is platforms like the work towards a more inclusive and just society.” He added that the theme of the meeting aligns with the state government's commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible government. The CEO/Founder of TAF Africa, Amb. Jake Epelle commended the Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri for appointing persons with disabilities as Special Advisers and Special Assistants. He also appealed to the Governor to prove himself as the number one inclusive governor by appointing a person with a disability as commissioner after the inauguration of his second term in office. According to him, “Let me use this occasion to call on the Bayelsa state governor, Senator Douye Diri, that you are about to constitute a new government, thank you for giving us Special Advisers, but this time around we want a commissioner, not a commissioner for persons with disabilities, but a commissioner with disability. We have many persons with disabilities across board that can function in several ministries, use this occasion to prove yourself as the number one inclusive governor by appointing a person with disability as a commissioner.” “I think this is the beginning of what might snowball into a national and continental agenda which is inclusive governance, getting the government to commit to creating the platform for participation of Persons Living with Disabilities in all strata of governance whether it is in legislative or executive or judiciary. “It is an opportunity to bring together all the ministries, persons with disabilities, and Non-Governmental Organizations to discuss a template for inclusive governance. We created a pathway for that synergy and duty bearers to commit to what they will do to ensure that persons with disabilities are carried along. The town hall had in attendance several permanent secretaries from relevant ministries in Bayelsa State, the Secretary to the state government, Leaders in the disability community, civil society organizations, various clusters of persons with disabilities, and organizations of persons with disabilities.

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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.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: ToR for Engagement of a Technical Expert for the Review and Operationalisation of the INEC Framework on Access and Participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Electoral Process

TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR) Engagement of a Technical Expert for the Review and Operationalisation of the INEC Framework on Access and Participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Electoral Process ABOUT TAF AFRICA TAF Africa is an independent non-governmental organization registered in Nigeria in 2006/2007, originally established as The Albino Foundation. It has since evolved from a focus on persons with albinism to a broader disability inclusion mandate. TAF Africa advocates for the rights, dignity, and full inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups, working across Nigeria to eliminate discrimination, stigma, and barriers to participation in social, political, and economic life.  TAF Africa envisions an inclusive society that empowers PWDs to actively participate in all spheres of development. Its mission is to collaborate with state and non-state actors to advance rights and dignity through policy and legislative reforms, education, and empowerment initiatives. The organization’s work spans advocacy and public awareness, capacity building, accessibility audits, and strategic partnerships with public and private institutions. Guided by values of transparency, equity, accountability, mutual respect, professionalism, integrity, and collaboration, TAF Africa focuses on inclusive education, political participation and electoral reforms, economic empowerment, access to justice, and inclusive healthcare. You can learn more about TAF Africa at https://tafafrica.co/    PROJECT CONTEXT This assignment is situated within the European Union-funded programme – EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN II), Component 5b, which focuses on enhancing the political participation of PWDs and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).  This assignment is designed to strengthen the political participation of PWDs in the electoral process by facilitating direct engagement with election management bodies, political parties, and civil society organizations. The intervention will create an inclusive political environment, inspire institutional commitments, influence policy reforms, and expand both the pool and capacity of PWDs aspiring for and occupying elective positions. INEC FRAMEWORK CONTEXT The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) developed the Framework on Access and Participation of PWDs in the Electoral Process in 2018 to address systemic barriers to inclusion within Nigeria’s electoral system. The Framework promotes the equal participation of PWDs as voters, candidates, and electoral officials, and is grounded in national laws as well as international instruments such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It outlines clear strategic objectives, actions, and an accompanying Operational Plan designed to guide implementation and institutionalise inclusive electoral practices.  Despite its strong foundation, implementation of the Framework has been limited and even outdated, necessitating a comprehensive review and update. In particular, the Framework requires alignment with the Electoral Act 2026, integration of emerging best practices in disability inclusion, and a more comprehensive operationalisation strategy. Strengthening these elements is critical to ensuring that the Framework effectively supports inclusive participation and delivers meaningful impact ahead of the 2027 General Elections.  PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT The overall purpose of this consultancy is to review, update, and support the INEC in operationalising its Framework on Access and Participation of PWDs, ensuring that it is aligned with current legal and policy frameworks, practically implementable, inclusive, and responsive to stakeholder needs, and supported by a clear, actionable, and results-oriented implementation plan.  Objectives of the Assignment The objective of the assignment includes to:  Review the existing INEC PWD Framework (2018) and its Operational Plan   Align the Framework with current legal and policy instruments, especially the Electoral Act 2026 and the National Disability Act 2018.    Integrate emerging best practices in disability-inclusive electoral processes   Facilitate stakeholder validation and ownership of the revised Framework   Strengthen INEC’s institutional capacity for implementation   Develop a comprehensive results-oriented implementation plan   SCOPE OF WORK The Technical Expert will undertake the following tasks:  Desk Review and Analysis Conduct a comprehensive review of the current INEC Framework and Operational Plan to assess structure, objectives, and implementation effectiveness. Identify and analyse implementation gaps and assess the continued relevance of existing strategies and provisions.   Examine applicable legal frameworks, policies, and international electoral standards to determine alignment and compliance.   Benchmark global best practices on inclusive electoral processes and extract applicable lessons for contextual adaptation.  Stakeholder Consultations  Engage key stakeholders, including:   Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD)   Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs)   INEC departments (especially Gender and Inclusivity Unit)   Civil Society Organizations and development partners   Document inputs and recommendations   Framework Review and Revision  The expert will be expected to update the Framework to reflect current legal provisions, address identified gaps, and strengthen strategic objectives and actions, while improving clarity, coherence, and usability. Development of Operational/Implementation Plan  Develop a detailed implementation plan that clearly outlines strategic actions with specific timelines for execution.   Define and assign roles and responsibilities across all relevant INEC structures to ensure accountability and coordination.   Establish a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework to track progress, measure outcomes, and inform decision-making.   Identify potential risks and put in place practical mitigation strategies to reduce their likelihood and impact.   Prepare the required resources estimate to support successful implementation.  Validation Workshop  Facilitate a multi-stakeholder validation session to review and agree on the framework.   Present the revised framework and implementation plan to stakeholders for consideration.   Incorporate received feedback and finalize all documents for approval and use.  Capacity Building  Design and deliver a one-day capacity-enrichment session for National INEC Disability Desk Officers.   Develop comprehensive training materials and practical tools to support the session and ongoing implementation.   Design and deliver a one-day capacity-enrichment session for INEC Disability Desk Officers on the implementation of the disability inclusion framework, applying inclusive electoral practices, and strengthening monitoring and reporting systems.  KEY DELIVERABLES The assignment is expected to be conducted over a period of 8 weeks, with the expected deliverables:    S/N  Deliverables   Timeline   1  Inception Report (methodology, work plan, timeline)   1 week  2  Reviewed INEC Framework on PWD Access and Participation   3 weeks   3  Comprehensive Implementation/Operational Plan   1 week   4  Stakeholder Consultation Report & Validation Workshop Report   1 week  5  Capacity Building Materials and Report   1 week  6  Final Consolidated Report   1 week   Reporting and Coordination  The Technical Expert will report to the TAF Africa representative, work closely with INEC’s Gender and Inclusivity Department, and coordinate with relevant stakeholders throughout the assignment to ensure effective implementation and alignment of activities. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE  The Technical Expert should possess an advanced degree in Law, Political Science, Public Policy, Development Studies, or a related field, along with a strong academic and professional grounding relevant to governance and institutional reform.  The role requires at least 10 years of relevant experience in electoral processes and governance, disability inclusion and human rights, as well as policy

PRESS STATEMENT: TAF AFRICA LAUNCHES ABLE2RUN CAMPAIGN TO ADVANCE POLITICAL INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN NIGERIA

PRESS STATEMENT TAF AFRICA LAUNCHES ABLE2RUN CAMPAIGN TO ADVANCE POLITICAL INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN NIGERIA Able2Run – Electability Campaign Organised by TAF Africa Palm Hotel, Abuja – May 12, 2026 Democracy finds its deepest meaning not merely in periodic elections, but in the equal participation of all citizens in shaping governance and national development. A democracy that excludes millions of persons with disabilities (PWDs) from political leadership and decision-making cannot truly claim to be inclusive, representative, or just. TAF Africa is proud to launch the Able2Run – Electability Campaign to see the estimated 34 million Persons with Disability in Nigeria actively participate in politics, not only as voters, but as aspirants, candidates, elected officials, and leaders at all levels of governance. The Able2Run campaign seeks to deepen the national conversation on disability inclusion in governance and confront deeply rooted stereotypes that equate disability with inability. Disability is not incapacity. The real barriers for persons with disabilities are the structural and societal obstacles that limit participation. Across the world, history has shown that disability does not diminish leadership capacity. For perspective, the total votes secured by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election were approximately 8.8 million, a number far fewer than the estimated number of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. This comparison underscores a critical point on the strength this constituency possess. If mobilised and politically organised, persons with disabilities represent a voting bloc large enough to both influence elections, and potentially produce elected leaders at every level. Yet, despite these numbers and the potential, the political inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria remains alarmingly disheartening. TAF Africa’s recent comprehensive national studies on the political participation of persons with disabilities between 2019 and 2025 reveal a troubling pattern of exclusion and underrepresentation. The study documented over 200 persons with disabilities occupying political positions across Nigeria. However, only four persons with disabilities were found to have held elective political offices across the national, state, and local government levels within the study period. This represents less than 0.1% of all elective positions in Nigeria. More disturbing is the fact that none of these elected officials were women with disabilities, highlighting a severe intersectional gap affecting women and girls with disabilities in politics. In contrast, the study identified 213 persons with disabilities occupying appointive positions. Over 99% of positions occupied by PWDs are appointive rather than elective, with more than half (55.2%) serving as Special Advisers or Special Assistants on Disability Matters. While appointments remain important, the dominance of such positions raises legitimate concerns about tokenism rather than genuine political inclusion driven by equity, competence, and democratic participation. The research further revealed that between 2019 and 2025, only 116 persons with disabilities presented themselves as candidates for elective positions nationwide. This shows that beyond societal barriers, there is also an urgent need to inspire confidence, mentorship, political consciousness, and leadership ambition among PWDs themselves. At the national level, the rights of persons with disabilities to participate in politics are clearly protected under Nigerian law. The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, specifically guarantees the participation of persons with disabilities in politics and public life. Section 30 of the Act provides that persons with disabilities shall be encouraged to fully participate in politics and public affairs, while the government is mandated to actively promote an environment where PWDs can participate effectively and without discrimination in public affairs, political parties, and governance processes. These protections are also reinforced by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees freedom from discrimination, freedom of association, freedom of expression, and the right of every citizen to participate in public life and governance. Nigeria’s obligations do not end at the national level. Internationally, Nigeria is a State Party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), one of the most important global instruments protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. Article 29 of the Convention clearly guarantees the rights of persons with disabilities to vote, to be elected, to hold public office, and to participate fully in political and public life on an equal basis with others. The Convention further requires governments to ensure accessible electoral systems, accessible voting materials, inclusive political processes, and active participation of persons with disabilities in political parties and public administration. Nigeria, having ratified this Convention, carries both a moral and legal obligation to ensure these rights become realities rather than aspirations. Unfortunately, significant barriers continue to hinder the political participation of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. These include inaccessible polling units and meeting venues, discriminatory attitudes and stereotypes, poverty and lack of financial resources, communication barriers arising from inaccessible information formats, and exclusion within political party structures. Equally concerning is the inadequacy of disability-disaggregated electoral data. Current information from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly reflects fewer than 100,000 registered voters with disability data. This grossly underrepresents the true voting population of persons with disabilities in Nigeria and undermines effective planning for inclusive elections. Political parties also continue to fall short in ensuring full inclusion. TAF Africa’s Political Inclusion Index assessment of major political parties in Nigeria showed that most parties operate only at a moderate or limited level of disability inclusion. While some progress has been recorded, only one of the assessed parties achieved a high inclusion rating. This demonstrates that significant work remains to ensure disability inclusion becomes institutionalised within party structures, policies, and electoral processes. In response to these realities, TAF Africa has opened a national mentorship and coaching programme for aspiring politicians with disabilities interested in contesting elective offices at all levels, including councillorship, chairmanship, State Houses of Assembly, governorships, National Assembly seats, and the Presidency.  This initiative is supported by the European Union, under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme. Through this programme, TAF Africa intends to establish virtual political incubation hubs across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and provide mentorship support to at least 180 aspiring politicians

TAF Africa Launches Able2Run Electability Campaign: A Call To Persons With Disabilities To Contest For Office Ahead of Nigeria Decides 2027

TAF Africa Launches Able2Run Electability Campaign A Call To Persons With Disabilities To Contest For Office Ahead of Nigeria Decides 2027 https://youtu.be/r6rJzCLba7s On Tuesday, May 12th, 2026, TAF Africa, supported by the European Union through its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme formally launched the Able2Run Electability Campaign at Press Conference in Abuja, Nigeria. The Able2Run Electability Campaign aims to see the estimated 34 million PWDs in Nigeria actively participate in politics, not only as voters, but as aspirants, elected officials, and leaders at all levels of governance. Our campaign aims to dismantle the stereotype that ‘disability equals inability’ and to move persons with disabilities from the margins to the center of democratic leadership. We urge persons with disabilities (PWDs) to run for office and reject self-doubt; for political parties to adopt inclusion policies, waive nomination fees for PWDs, and make materials accessible in braille, large print, and audio, and INEC to enforce disability inclusion guidelines and update its voter register with accurate disability-disaggregated data. Register for the Political Leadership Programme (PLP) for PWDs. Our Political Leadership Program (PLP) for PWDs stands part of our collection of flagship campaigns in Inclusive Elections and Governance. It is a national mentorship and coaching programme for aspiring politicians with disabilities interested in contesting elective offices at all levels. We will be establishing virtual political incubation hubs across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and provide mentorship support to at least 180 aspiring politicians with disabilities. If you a person with disability and are passionate about doing your part to transform Nigerian society for the better, to put your commitment on the table for a better future for Nigerian children of all demographics, visit this link: https://tafafrica.co/abletorun-electability-campaign/ and register at the bottom of the page. Moving Forward, more work needs to be done, more people need to be reached, the net needs to widened, and we need more inclusive participation in elections in Nigeria and Africa at large. You can support TAF Africa’s work through donations on our website, volunteering, and sharing our work to your network. 🔗 Support TAF Africa.

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