TAF AFRICA ORGANIZES A THREE-DAY STAFF WORKSHOP ON EFFECTIVE DELIVERY AND TRACKING OF KPIs IN 2ND QUARTER 2025
Ado-Ekiti, June 2026 — Representation of persons with disabilities is not optional. That was the guiding principle behind a two-day intensive training that brought together teachers, community advocates, youth leaders, disability rights champions, and civic volunteers in Ekiti State — all preparing for one shared task: standing as the eyes and ears of democracy during the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election.
Held on 17–18 June 2026, the training was convened by TAF Africa under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme, forming a cornerstone of the organization’s election observation strategy. While the initial plan called for 150 observers across two batches of 75, turnout told its own story of commitment: 48 participants showed up on day one, and 112 more joined on day two — bringing the total to all 160 registered observers reached.
Why This Training Matters
Nigeria’s 2026 Electoral Act places new emphasis on inclusive electoral processes — but policy on paper only becomes reality through people on the ground who know what to look for. That’s the gap this training was built to close.
Participants weren’t just taught how to observe an election. They were taught how to observe inclusively — trained to notice whether persons with disabilities could physically access polling units, receive appropriate voter assistance, and cast their ballots with dignity and independence.
Inside the Training
The two days combined strategy, technology, and practice:
Setting the Foundation. The training opened with a welcome session led by George Anwayi, Assistant Programme Manager at TAF Africa, who introduced participants to the weight of their role: professionalism, neutrality, and integrity as the baseline for credible election observation.
Understanding the Inclusion Strategy. Dr. Andrew Adaji, Programme Manager at TAF Africa, walked participants through TAF Africa’s Election Inclusion Strategy under EU-SDGN — unpacking the real barriers PWD voters face and introducing the disability-inclusive indicators observers would carry into the field.
Conduct and Safety. Participants were trained on the standards expected of accredited observers — impartiality, objectivity, and confidentiality — alongside practical guidance on managing risk and staying safe in diverse polling environments.
Going Digital. In a session led by Kohol Iornav, TAF Africa’s IT Officer, observers were introduced to the TAF Disability Hub Application — a real-time reporting platform for documenting incidents, submitting eyewitness accounts, and capturing election-day data as it happens.
The Observer’s Checklist. Back with Dr. Adaji, participants worked hands-on with the Election Observers’ Checklist, learning to record indicators on polling unit accessibility, voter assistance, security, and PWD participation — objectively, and without subjective interpretation.
Practicing the Real Thing. The training closed its technical content with role-play exercises facilitated by Jennifer Dafwat, Senior Communication Officer at TAF Africa, simulating election-day scenarios — from engaging election officials to supporting voters with disabilities. Participants later cited these simulations as among the most valuable parts of the entire programme.
Ready for Election Day
The training closed with reflections and remarks from Dr. Adaji, as participants affirmed their readiness to take up their roles. What they carry forward isn’t just a checklist and an app — it’s a mandate to make sure the experiences of Ekiti’s most marginalized voters are seen, documented, and counted.
As Ekiti heads to the polls, this election stands as a litmus test for how Nigeria’s 2026 Electoral Act translates disability-inclusive language into disability-inclusive practice.
Able2Vote.
This initiative is proudly delivered by TAF Africa, with funding from the European Union through the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) project.