TAFAfrica, a non-profit committed to disability inclusion in governance, has urged the National Assembly to improve inclusivity and equitable participation for people with disabilities in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The recommendations were presented in a memorandum signed by Mr Jakes Epelle, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, and submitted to the National Assembly as a proposal to amend the Electoral Act 2022 regarding participation of the disability community.

The organisation stated that its memorandum aims to address perceived gaps in the current electoral act by incorporating provisions for accessibility and inclusiveness in the election process. The intention is to establish an environment where all citizens, regardless of physical abilities or disabilities, can participate in the democratic process.

The organisation stated that the reforms are based on principles intended to ensure equal opportunity for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in all electoral activities and to make voting procedures, facilities, and materials accessible and suitable for all Nigerians.

The memorandum outlined the responsibilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders, emphasising their commitment to implementing reforms that are cost-effective, practical, and sustainable beyond the 2027 electoral cycle.

Among the key proposals are inclusivity and ensuring equal opportunity for PWDs in all electoral activities, which are crucial advancements toward an inclusive, accessible, and equitable electoral system in Nigeria. By integrating these provisions, the National Assembly will ensure that persons with disabilities can participate fully and equally in democratic governance, thereby strengthening transparency, legitimacy, and national unity.

The organisation called on the National Assembly to support legal measures that guarantee equal voting rights and participation in elections for persons with disabilities.

“The proposed amendments seek to address critical shortcomings in the 2022 Electoral Act by embedding accessibility and inclusiveness as enforceable standards across all aspects of the electoral process. The overarching objective is to foster an electoral environment that enables all citizens—regardless of physical, sensory, or cognitive ability—to participate meaningfully in the democratic process.

“The following principles guide the reforms:

Inclusiveness: Ensuring equal opportunity for PWDs in all electoral activities.

Accessibility: Guaranteeing that voting procedures, facilities, and materials are user-friendly and appropriate for all.

Enforceability: Making obligations of the Independent National Electoral

Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders have clear, actionable, and measurable.

Sustainability: Promoting reforms that are cost-efficient, practical, and enduring beyond the 2027 electoral cycle.

“Summary of Proposed Amendments:

Section 2 – Functions of the Commission Amendment to Sub-section (b): Replace with: “(b) promote knowledge of sound democratic and inclusive election processes.

“Insertion of a New Sub-section (d) ensures that voting procedures, facilities, and materials are appropriate, accessible, and easy to understand and use.

“Amendment to Sub-section (1)  There is established in each State of the Federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and each Local Government Area, an office of the Commission which shall perform such functions as may be assigned to it by the Commission. Such office shall be accessible to all persons, including persons with disabilities.”

“Section 9 – National Register of Voters and Voters’ Registration Insertion of a New Sub-section (2)(c) formats that are accessible to persons with disabilities.”Amendment to Sub-section (3):

“(3) The Commission shall maintain as part of the Register of Voters a register for each State of the Federation and for the Federal Capital Territory. This register shall include disability status disaggregated by type of disability.”

Amendment to Sub-section (4):

“(4) The Commission shall maintain as part of the Register of Voters for each State and the Federal Capital Territory, a Register of Voters for each Local Government or Area Council within the State and the Federal Capital Territory. This register shall include disability status disaggregated by type of disability.”

Section 25 – Announcement and Declaration of Election Results

Insertion of a New Sub-section (4):

“Sign language interpretation shall be used simultaneously when final election results are being declared. The Commission shall also make results available in modes, means, and formats of communication accessible to persons with disabilities upon request.”

“All notices shall be provided in modes, means, and formats of communication accessible to persons with disabilities.”

Section 54 – Visually Impaired and Incapacitated Voters Amendment of Section Title:

Replace “Visually Impaired and Incapacitated Voters” with “Voters with Disabilities.”

“Insertion of a New Sub-section (3): All registered voters with disabilities shall be allowed priority voting upon arrival at their polling units with their permanent voter cards.”

Section 66 – Declaration of Result

“Insertion of a New Sub-section (2): Sign language interpretation must be used simultaneously when final election results are being declared. The Commission shall also make results available in modes, means, and formats of communication accessible to persons with disabilities upon request.”

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