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PRE-ELECTION PRESS STATEMENT ON THE 2024 ONDO STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION

Akure, Ondo State – Nigeria | Friday, 15th November 2024

Introduction

As Ondo State prepares for the 2024 governorship election, TAF Africa acknowledges the substantial progress made in advancing a more inclusive electoral environment. This election cycle marks a crucial highlight, with both advancements in inclusive electoral practices and remaining challenges that must be addressed to ensure the active participation of all eligible voters, especially persons with disabilities (PWDs).

With 2,053,061 registered voters, including 1,782 people with disabilities, this election represents an important opportunity for broader participation. It is commendable that 1,757,205 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) have been collected, leaving only 295,856 uncollected, a low percentage of 14.4%. However, the lack of specific data on PVC collection by persons with disabilities remains an oversight. Comprehensive and disaggregated data is critical to advancing electoral inclusivity for all.

Furthermore, we recognize the commendable candidature of Barrister Myson Adeyemi Nejo, a person with physical disability, who stands as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate. This is a remarkable step toward increased representation for the community of persons with disabilities, considering no PWD candidate contested in the recent Edo State governorship election. However, we are saddened to hear about the decision of the ADC candidate to withdraw less than 48 hours before the election. This unfortunate turn of events diminishes inclusive representation efforts and emphasizes the need for robust support systems for PWD candidates.

Pre-Election Key Observations

  • Violent Clashes and Security Concerns: We noted with concern the pre-election violent incidents, such as the attacks by political thugs in Idanre Local Government Area, which have instilled fear and apprehension among voters, particularly those with disabilities. While INEC has taken proactive steps by training security personnel to provide a tranquil electoral environment, sustained efforts are essential to prevent further disruptions and ensure the safety of all voters.
  • Lack of Disaggregated Data: While the number of PWDs registered as voters is noted, there is no data on PWD-specific PVC collection. This lack of disaggregated Data obstructs comprehensive analysis and planning for accessible elections. INEC’s commitment to collecting and reporting detailed data on PVC collection by PWDs in future elections is imperative to achieving full electoral inclusivity. 
  • Withdrawal of a PWD Candidate: The withdrawal of Barrister Myson Adeyemi Nejo, the only PWD candidate, less than 48 hours before the election is a significant setback for disability inclusion. His presence on the ballot would have provided representation for PWDs in political leadership, a vital factor in promoting inclusive governance. This highlights the need for stronger advocacy and support mechanisms for PWD political aspirants.
  • Financial Inducement Concerns: Reports of pre-election financial inducements threaten the integrity of the electoral process. The use of money in elections can unfairly influence voters, particularly those in vulnerable communities, including PWDs. Electoral stakeholders must take stronger measures to ensure transparency and guard against financial manipulation.

 

TAF Africa’s Deployment Plan

TAF Africa is committed to monitoring INEC’s compliance with its obligations to provide assistive tools and accommodations to ensure accessible voting for persons with disabilities, as mandated by the Electoral Act 2022, Section 54, Sub-sections 1 & 2. TAF Africa will deploy twenty (20) trained stationary observers to polling units in each local government area with the highest numbers of registered persons with disabilities. In addition, five (5) roving media observers will be assigned to monitor and document INEC’s provision of assistive devices, such as Braille ballot guides for the blind, magnifying glasses for persons with albinism, large font posters for the deaf (Form EC 30 PWD), and priority voting for persons with disabilities.

TAF Africa’s observation efforts are supported by our upgraded election observer app, which facilitates real-time data transmission from observers in the field to the PWD election hub, through our election monitoring dashboard. This data-driven technology enhances the accuracy, speed, and responsiveness of our reporting, enabling timely insights into the electoral environment and compliance levels. Our observers will record data on the availability and accessibility of assistive tools, the prioritization of PWD voters, and the quality of the electoral environment. This information will provide a clear assessment of the degree to which inclusive voting standards are upheld.

 

Recommendations

To facilitate an inclusive, fair, and peaceful election, TAF Africa urges the following:

  • Security agencies should strengthen their presence in identified flashpoints, such as Idanre Local Government, to prevent violence and maintain order and provide security escorts for PWDs where necessary to ensure their safe access to polling units.
  • Full INEC Compliance with Accessibility Standards: We urge INEC to ensure that all necessary assistive devices, such as Braille guides, magnifying glasses, and instructions for the deaf, are available at polling units with registered PWD cluster that needs them. Priority voting for PWDs must be enforced to create a dignified voting experience.
  • Strengthen Data Collection for PWD Inclusion: INEC should ensure disaggregated data collection and publication on PVC distribution among persons with disabilities. This data is essential for identifying gaps in electoral accessibility and fostering PWD participation.
  • Systematic Support for PWD Candidates: Political parties should establish frameworks to support PWD candidates to counter challenges, especially last-minute pressures that may compel them to withdraw. This support is crucial to sustaining the gains of inclusivity and ensuring representative governance.
  • Address Financial Inducements in Elections: INEC, security agencies, and anti-corruption bodies should take decisive action to prevent and penalize the use of financial inducements in the electoral process. For an election to be fair and unbiased, it is essential to make sure that voters are not unduly swayed.

 

While we commend the governorship candidates for signing the peace accord through the National Peace Committee on the 8th of November led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, we urge all political stakeholders to commit to a non-violent election and respect the principles of free, fair, and inclusive elections in actions. A peaceful election will encourage broad participation and build confidence in Nigeria’s democratic processes.

Through our deployment of trained observers and real-time data-driven reporting, we are poised to contribute meaningfully to ensuring that PWDs participate equally and freely in the 2024 Governorship Election. We will provide periodic updates based on observations and findings from the field. The successful participation of PWDs in the Ondo State election will set a positive precedent for future elections, moving Nigeria closer to achieving a fully inclusive democracy.

God bless the good people of Ondo State.

 

Signed.

Jake Epelle Fnipr

CEO/Founder

TAF Africa

 

 

For media inquiries, please contact Lynn Agwuncha at +234 (0) 706 809 1367 or email l.agwuncha@tafafrica.co

 

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The numbers paint a nuanced picture: The good news •       94.3% of polling units were physically accessible to PWDs •       91.9% offered priority voting •       95.3% reported no harassment of PWD voters •       98.3% of votes were counted openly, and 94.6% of results were announced on-site •       97.66% of PWD voters who came to vote were able to do so The gaps that remain •       Braille ballot guides were available in just 22.8% of polling units; magnifying glasses in only 5.7% •       Only 46.3% of polling units had PWDs serving as INEC ad-hoc staff — and zero had observed PWD party agents •       Security personnel were present in just 46.3% of polling units •       78.1% of PWD voters relied on trusted aides rather than assistive devices or trained support •       Observers recorded 91 cases of PWD voters being induced, 23 cases of intimidation, and 40 incidents of violence around polling units   Indicator Positive Gap Physically accessible polling units 94.3% 5.7% not accessible Priority voting provided 91.9% 8.1% no priority voting No harassment of PWD voters 95.3% 4.7% harassment cases Votes counted openly 98.3% 1.7% not counted openly PWD INEC ad-hoc staff present 46.3% 53.7% no PWD staff PWD party agents observed 0% 100% no PWD party agent   The takeaway is clear: physical access to a polling unit is no longer the main battle. 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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.

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