Determined to advance inclusive democratic participation in Anambra State, TAF Africa, under its “Able to Vote” campaign and with support from the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), has organized a two-day capacity-building workshop for journalists on disability-inclusive electoral reporting.
Held on Tuesday, July 1 and Wednesday, July 2 at Hilton Leisure Hotel, Awka, the workshop brought together media practitioners from across the state to deepen their understanding of ethical reporting, disability rights, and the crucial role of the press in fostering inclusive elections ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship poll.
The training, tagged “Able to Vote: Bridging Media and the Disability Community for Inclusive Electoral Participation in Anambra State,” focused on strengthening media support for the political participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
During group sessions, participants identified and discussed at least five categories of disabilities visual impairments, hearing impairments, mobility impairments, intellectual or developmental disabilities, and psychosocial disabilities analyzing how each could pose barriers to full participation in electoral processes if not properly addressed. Journalists explored strategies to highlight these issues in their reportage to drive advocacy and policy reforms.
Speaking during the sessions, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, urged journalists to go beyond routine election coverage by investigating the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) preparedness to accommodate voters with disabilities, as well as the plans of political parties to ensure their inclusion both as voters and candidates.
Also addressing participants, Barrister Peter Moneke, Legal Adviser to the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Anambra State, emphasized the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities are not only voters but also actively included in electoral processes as aspirants and office holders. He called on INEC and political parties to institutionalize policies that guarantee greater participation of persons with disabilities.
In her remarks, Ms. Lynn Agwuncha, Director of Community at TAF Africa, commended the journalists for their commitment and encouraged them to use their platforms to raise awareness and amplify the voices of persons with disabilities in the society. She stressed that sustained collaboration between media houses, electoral bodies, and disability rights organizations is critical to achieving truly inclusive elections.
Participants expressed appreciation for the training, pledging to integrate the knowledge gained into their professional work to help dismantle stereotypes and foster a political environment where everyone, regardless of disability status, can participate fully and equally.
By spearheading initiatives like this workshop, TAF Africa and EU-SDGN continue to champion the cause of inclusive democracy, reinforcing the message that no one should be left behind in Nigeria’s electoral process.
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