By Onwe Wisdom | Pan Afric Reporters, Awka, Anambra State
The Albino Foundation (TAF Africa) has commended the peaceful conduct of the 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election but raised concerns over persistent gaps in the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the electoral process.
In its post-election statement, TAF Africa, an implementing partner under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EUSDGN II) Programme, said it deployed 150 trained citizen and roving media observers and 25 sign language interpreters across the state’s 21 local government areas to monitor the participation of PWDs. The exercise was coordinated through the TAF Disability Hub Application, a real-time data-driven monitoring platform designed to track accessibility and voter experience.
“This initiative reflects TAF Africa’s firm commitment to advancing the political participation of PWDs and promoting inclusive democratic processes in Nigeria,” the organization stated.
Sign Language Intervention: A First Step Toward Inclusivity
TAF Africa reported that its deployment of 25 trained sign language interpreters to polling units with high numbers of deaf voters, including locations in Njikoka and Onitsha South LGAs, enabled many deaf voters to communicate effectively with electoral officials and vote independently.
“This pilot deployment demonstrated the practical value and impact of having professional interpreters at polling stations, setting a precedent for future elections and reinforcing the necessity of institutionalizing such measures by INEC,” TAF Africa noted.
Field Findings: Accessibility Gaps and Vote Buying Concerns
While acknowledging some progress, the group observed widespread challenges affecting PWD voters. According to its field report, assistive devices such as braille ballot guides and magnifying glasses were unavailable in several polling units, leaving blind and albino voters unable to vote independently.
In some instances, TAF Africa reported possible cases of voter manipulation and vote trading involving PWDs.
At Nise Ward I in Awka South, a deaf voter was reportedly approached by a suspected party agent who attempted to influence his choice of candidate. Similarly, in Ogbaru LGA, a female party agent was observed distributing ₦5,000 to voters on behalf of a political party.
“Vote buying disproportionately affects voters with disabilities, many of whom face socioeconomic vulnerabilities and are often targeted by party agents seeking to exploit their circumstances,” the statement warned.
Despite these irregularities, the organization acknowledged that the election was largely peaceful, with 99.3% of polling units observed recording no violence or intimidation.
Key Statistics from the Observation
According to data from the TAF Disability Hub, INEC officials arrived on time in 62% of polling units, while voting commenced promptly in 67.6%.
Security presence was recorded in 35.2% of polling stations, contributing to the peaceful atmosphere.
However, assistive device provision remained low at 32%, even though 89.4% of polling units were physically accessible.
Priority voting was granted in 74.8% of cases, and 35.2% of polling stations had PWDs serving as ad hoc INEC staff.
“While the election was largely peaceful, the data indicate persistent structural and operational gaps in the inclusivity of the electoral process for persons with disabilities,” TAF Africa observed.
Commendations and Recommendations
The organization commended INEC for introducing Form EC40H: PWD Voter Information and Statistics, describing it as a “step towards improving disability data collection during elections,” though noting instances of non-compliance by ad hoc staff.
TAF Africa urged INEC to:
- Strengthen disability data validation and ensure accurate deployment of assistive materials.
- Institutionalize mandatory training on disability inclusion for all ad hoc staff.
- Enforce sanctions against officials who neglect inclusion protocols.
It also called on Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to sustain advocacy for accessible voting, and on political parties to mainstream disability inclusion in their campaign structures.
“The continued exclusion of voters with disabilities due to inadequate assistive materials, weak training of officials, and cases of undue influence demands urgent and sustained attention,” TAF Africa emphasized.
TAF Africa reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive, credible, and accessible elections in Nigeria.
“Through the TAF Disability Hub, we will continue to provide data-driven insights to inform electoral reforms, especially for the adequate inclusion of voters with disabilities,” the statement concluded.
For more information, the organization advised journalists and the public to contact Lynn Agwuncha, Senior Communications Officer, via l.agwuncha@tafafrica.co or visit www.tafafrica.co.
