Media, Disability, and The Ballot: Journalists in Anambra Trained to Drive Inclusive Electoral Coverage

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In the lead-up to the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, an important and timely conversation is emerging, one that centers not just on votes but on visibility, dignity, and inclusion. At the heart of this shift is a strategic media engagement organized by TAF Africa, with funding support from the European Union under its support to democratic governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme. Themed “Able to Vote: Bridging Media and the Disability Community for Inclusive Participation in Anambra,” the event brought together journalists and disability advocates for a deep and necessary dialogue on changing the media narrative around persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the electoral space.

The engagement was a deliberate effort to confront and dismantle the entrenched media habits that have long marginalized persons with disabilities in election reporting. Journalists from across the three senatorial zones gathered to learn, unlearn, and relearn how stories can shape participation and perceptions.

“Too often, stories about persons with disabilities are either reduced to tales of pity,” said Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda, during his session on Framing the Media Narrative on Disability. “The danger is not just in the inaccuracies, but in the harm they cause, harm that can extend to shaping policies, denying rights, and perpetuating exclusion.”

Ojo emphasized that media narratives have power, and with that power comes responsibility. He urged journalists to move beyond passive coverage and take on investigative roles that probe how inclusive institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political parties truly are. “Ask questions,” he said. “Are assistive tools like braille ballot guides and magnifying glasses really reaching voters who need them? Are parties fielding candidates with disabilities or merely paying lip service to inclusion?”

Also speaking at the event, Barr. Peter Moneke, Legal Adviser to the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Anambra State, echoed the call for deeper inclusion. He reminded participants that democracy demands not only that persons with disabilities cast votes but that they are visible and supported throughout the entire electoral process, including as aspirants and political office holders.

“It’s not enough to vote,” Moneke said. “We must also have persons with disabilities at the table where decisions are made. That’s true representation.”

Lynn Agwuncha, Senior Communication Officer at TAF Africa, struck a chord with the participants when she acknowledged their presence and dedication. “Your role is not just to report,” she said, “but to reflect the realities of every citizen, especially those who have been historically ignored. This partnership between the media and the disability community is essential if we are serious about building inclusive elections.”

Adding to this, Mr. George Anwayi, Senior Programme Officer at TAF Africa, emphasized the importance of accuracy and empathy in disability coverage. “Words matter. Images matter. Context matters. Every headline, every caption, and every frame should respect the humanity and rights of persons with disabilities.”

The training covered key thematic areas designed to reshape how journalists engage with disability issues:

Ethical and inclusive language in reporting

Challenging stereotypes and harmful tropes

Collaborating with organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs)

Crafting story angles that spotlight inclusion in electoral processes

Holding institutions accountable through investigative journalism

Beyond the sessions and technical know-how, what made the event striking was the shared commitment to doing better, not just in print or on-air, but in attitude and approach. Journalists at the training expressed both surprise and determination, admitting how much had been missed in past reporting and vowing to turn a new page.

“I didn’t realize how narrow our reporting lens has been until now,” said one participant. “This training has opened my eyes to stories waiting to be told, and more importantly, how to tell them with dignity.”

Another journalist remarked, “Disability is not a tragedy. Exclusion is. That’s what we need to report.”

The event was a gentle reminder that inclusion doesn’t begin at the polling unit; it begins in the stories that shape public consciousness. And with the knowledge and tools shared at the training, journalists in Anambra are better equipped to ensure that throughout the electoral cycle for the gubernatorial elections, come November 8, 2025, the voices of persons with disabilities will be heard, respected, recognized, and represented.

We streamed live on Facebook! Watch it again on Youtube!

TAF Africa Team Pays Advocacy Visit to INEC Headquarters

In preparation for the November 8, 2025, Anambra Governorship Election, TAF Africa, led by our CEO/ Founder Amb. Jake Epelle paid an advocacy visit to INEC Nigeria headquarters to secure national support for the deployment of sign language interpreters at polling units with high numbers of deaf voters. The initiative, supported under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria II Programme, aims to ensure deaf voters are not left behind due to communication barriers during the election. INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Acting INEC Chairman and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to inclusive elections. Amb. Epelle described the effort as a national model for accessible democracy, noting that inclusion must move from principle to practice. This collaboration marks a new milestone in making Nigeria’s electoral process truly inclusive.

Able2Vote: In Anambra, Training of Sign Language Interpreters for Inclusive Elections

Last week, TAF Africa concluded a two-day Training of Sign Language Interpreters for Inclusive Elections! With support from the European Union in Nigeria through its European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Programme, and in partnership with INEC Nigeria, this training brings together members of the Association of Sign Language Interpreters of Nigeria (ASLIN), Anambra State Chapter. This initiative aims to equip interpreters with the knowledge and skills to provide effective sign language support at polling units with a high number of deaf voters during the upcoming November 8 Governorship Election in Anambra state. This pilot intervention marks a major step toward strengthening inclusive, accessible, and participatory elections in Nigeria. Role playing on the principles, practice and ethics of sign language interpretation by participants for the training of sign language interpreters for the Anambra state governorship election. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUo_0BIgmk0

TAF Africa hosts a Stakeholders Meet on an Inclusive Election in Anambra State

Yesterday’s Live Television Stakeholders’ Engagement on Disability-Inclusive Election Preparedness in Anambra State was an insightful conversation on strengthening inclusive democracy ahead of the November polls. This essential discussion features critical stakeholders, including the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Elizabeth, top security officials (Police, NSCDC), media leaders (NTA, ABS), and civil society representatives from TAF Africa and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD). Dive into the specifics of making over 5,700 polling units accessible, securing priority voting rights, and the reliability of the BVAS technology. Learn how TAF Africa’s Third Eye App is empowering Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to monitor election day fairness and report rights infringements in real-time. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in Nigerian democracy and electoral justice. Watch the full discussion to understand the road map for accessible voting in Anambra State! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUo_0BIgmk0

Stakeholders’ Preparedness for a Disability Inclusive Governorship Election in Anambra State

PRESS STATEMENT TAF AFRICA TO HOST LIVE TELEVISION STAKEHOLDERS’ ENGAGEMENT ON DISABILITY-INCLUSIVE ELECTION PREPAREDNESS IN ANAMBRA STATE In its sustained effort to promote disability-inclusive democratic processes in Nigeria, TAF Africa, with funding support from the European Union through the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN 11) Programme, will host a Live Television Stakeholders’ Engagement on the preparedness of key institutions to deliver a disability inclusive governorship election in Anambra State. The 2-hour live broadcast is scheduled for Sunday, 12th October 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It will besimultaneously streamed from Anambra state on Arise Television, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Awka, and the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) to ensure wider public reach and visibility. The televised engage1nent aims to provide a public platform for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, the media, and the community of persons with disabilities (PWDs) to discuss institutional readiness, collaboration, and commitments toward ensuring an accessible, inclusive, and credible election in Anambra State on November 8, 2025. According to Ambassador Jake Epelle, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, “Elections are not truly democratic until every eligible citizen, including persons with disabilities, can participate on an equal basis. This live engagement provides an avenue for transparency, public accountability, and shared responsibility among critical stakeholders ahead of the Anambra governorship election.” The engagement will feature two high-level panel sessions. The first session, moderated by Amb. Jake Epelle will bring together representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to discuss institutional and security preparedness. The second session, moderated by George Anwayi, Senior Programme Officer at TAF Africa, will engage media executives and disability advocates, including the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), the General Manager of NTA Awka, and the Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service, to explore inclusive media coverage and public awareness strategies. This live engagement forms part of TAF Africa’s broader #AbletoVote campaign under the EU-SDGN II programme, designed to strengthen disability-inclusive electoral reforms, promote civic participation, and inspire public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system. TAF Africa aims to create a barrier-free political environment that promotes the full participation of persons with disabilities in the country’s democratic journey by bringing critical voices to the table and broadcasting the discussion live to millions of Nigerians. For media enquiries, please contact: Lynn Agwuncha, Senior Communication Officer, TAF Africa, 07068091367 or l.agwuncha@tafafrica.co https://youtu.be/k89KkHX5u7c