TAF AFRICA, an organization led by People With Disabilities , has announced plans to deploy 150 election observers and 25 sign language interpreters for the upcoming Anambra governorship election scheduled for November 8.
The initiative was disclosed by Amb. Jake Epelle, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TAF AFRICA, during a stakeholders’ engagement on ensuring a disability-inclusive governorship election, held in Awka.
According to Epelle, the sign language interpreters will be stationed in high-density areas with a significant population of persons with hearing impairments. He emphasized the right of PWDs to priority voting, explaining that this means individuals in this category should be allowed to vote immediately upon arrival at their polling units.
Epelle called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to match its rhetoric on inclusivity with concrete actions. “PWDs must be protected during the electoral process,” he said, urging the electoral body to enforce measures that guarantee their full participation.
Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra, assured participants that the commission is committed to conducting a disability-inclusive election. She noted that efforts are underway to ensure PWDs not only vote but also serve as electoral officials.
Agwu confirmed that non-sensitive election materials have already been distributed to local government areas ahead of the election. She also revealed that BVAS machines configured for 5,720 polling units and 183 split units—with an additional 1,000 units as backup—are ready for deployment.
To support voters with special needs, INEC will provide disability tools such as braille ballot guides for the blind, magnifying glasses for individuals with albinism, and Form EC30 for persons who are deaf.
“There will be no hitches. We have not had issues in Anambra because we have alternative networks and backups,” Agwu stated. “I am not under any pressure to deliver anybody. Voter apathy looks like the biggest threat to this election, so I call on the people of Anambra to come out and vote instead of playing football or drinking while the election is on. Not voting is encouraging the wrong person to win. Under me, it is not business as usual.”
Also present at the event, SP Ikenga, Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, said the police were intensifying preparations to ensure a peaceful election. He added that personnel are receiving training aimed at giving special consideration to PWDs.
“Restriction of movement during election is a security strategy and not to punish anybody,” Ikenga said. “We advise those who want to vote to go to areas where they are registered to cast their votes.”
In a similar vein, Edwin Okadigbo from the Public Relations Department of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), highlighted that the agency has activated a PWD desk ahead of the election. This initiative, he said, underscores the command’s commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities are neither intimidated nor disenfranchised.
The engagement brought together members of the disability community, media professionals, and representatives from civil society groups.
