2027: TAF Africa Launches ‘Able2Vote’ Enlightenment Campaign for Persons with Disabilities

Non - Governmental Organization, TAF Africa, formerly known as the Albinism Foundation, has commenced a voter enlightenment campaign for Persons with Disabilities in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Our Principal Correspondent, reports that the programme was held Monday, August 31, at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare Office, Warri.

Speaking during the campaign, Programme Manager, TAF Africa, Dr. Andrew Adaji, said the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has made significant provisions for Persons with Disabilities in the amended Electoral Act to support their participation in elections.

From left: Dr. Adaji, Comrade Onifade & others at the Hall 

He assured participants that concerns raised regarding security during and after elections would be addressed. He added that while funding is currently unavailable to provide hearing aids and sign language interpreters for the 2027 polls, TAF Africa will engage INEC and advocate for the recruitment of ad-hoc staff who can communicate with persons with hearing impairments.

Dr. Adaji disclosed that TAF Africa was extending the campaign to six LGAs in Delta State, which include, Warri South, Uvwie, Ughelli North, Isoko North, Oshimili South, and Aniocha North, noting that the aim is to boost the morale of eligible PWDs who have Permanent Voter Cards and encourage them to vote.

He urged PWDs to come out to vote, stressing that the law provides for priority voting for persons with disabilities, pregnant women and the elderly.

The programme is being sponsored by the European Union, EU, in collaboration with TAF Africa, Dr. Adaji recalled that during off-season elections in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun States, TAF Africa successfully provided sign language interpreters and support for voters with hearing impairments.

He commended the Delta State Government for being one of the highest employers of persons with disabilities in Nigeria and called on the government to further create a substantive Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities in the state.

Also speaking, Comrade Fatai Onifade, Chairman, People Living with Disabilities in Warri South, commended TAF Africa for educating PWDs on their voting rights.  

Comrade Fatai Onifade fielding questions from Newsmen at the event 

He emphasized that persons with disabilities should be given priority attention at polling units and encouraged them to vote without fear.

Comrade Onifade described the sensitization as the first of its kind focused on voting rights for PWDs since the advent of INEC elections.

Other members of the group also commended TAF Africa for the initiative and expressed renewed confidence to exercise their franchise during elections across Nigeria.

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