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 with disabilities. Participants will receive training in leadership, strategic communication, campaign financing, voter mobilisation, political negotiation, media engagement, and inclusive governance.

This programme is completely free. What is required is commitment, courage, and the determination to lead.

To Persons with Disabilities:

We call on persons with disabilities across Nigeria to rise boldly and participate actively in politics. We urge aspiring politicians with disabilities to reject fear, silence, and self-doubt. Your disability does not diminish your leadership potential. Nigeria needs your voice, your ideas, your competence, and your lived experiences in governance.
We also call on Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to deliberately mobilise, mentor, and support members to seek elective offices and participate meaningfully in political party activities.

To Political Parties:

We call on all political parties to adopt deliberate disability inclusion policies, including affirmative action measures and disability quotas for elective and appointive positions.
Political parties must make their offices, campaigns, meetings, and communication materials accessible to all. Membership forms and party information should be available in braille, large print, audio, and other accessible formats.
We further call on political parties to make nomination forms affordable for persons with disabilities and to waive discriminatory financial barriers that continue to exclude qualified aspirants with disabilities from contesting elections.

To INEC:

We demand that INEC establish and enforce clear disability inclusion guidelines binding on all political parties and electoral stakeholders.
INEC must also urgently update and strengthen its voter register to accurately capture disability-disaggregated data that reflects the true voting population of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.

To Government:

We call on the Federal Government and all state governments to fully implement the provisions of the Disability Act 2018 and ensure that accessibility and inclusion become central pillars of Nigeria’s democratic framework.
Government institutions must also provide technical and institutional support that enables persons with disabilities to participate fully in public life and governance.

To the Nigerian Public:

We urge Nigerians to reject stereotypes and support competent candidates with disabilities seeking public office. Leadership is about vision, integrity, competence, and service, not physical condition.
We call on religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, youth groups, women’s groups, and the media to become active champions of disability-inclusive democracy.

Conclusion

Democracy without inclusion is incomplete, and Nigeria cannot achieve its full democratic promise while persons with disabilities remain excluded from meaningful political participation and electability. We would close with the following reflections:

Nigeria cannot claim to be truly democratic while millions of citizens remain politically invisible.
The time has come to move from symbolic inclusion to substantive representation.
The time has come to build a Nigeria where persons with disabilities are not merely spoken for, but are elected to speak for themselves.
The time has come for inclusion, equity, representation, and leadership.
The time has come for Able2Run.

Thank you.

Signed:

Jake Epelle
CEO TAF Africa
May 12, 2026.

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 Joins the Citizens’ Townhall Meeting on Osun

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.