Yiaga Africa and TAF Africa have released their post-election statements on the 2024 Ondo State Governorship election, highlighting concerns and recommendations for improving Nigeria’s electoral process.
Addressing journalists in Akure, the state capital, Yiaga Africa commended the peaceful conduct of the election, noting that the process was relatively calm and orderly.
However, the organisation expressed concerns over incidents of vote-buying and electoral malpractices, which undermine the credibility of the elections and diminish voter trust.
Yiaga Africa’s recommendations include protecting ballot secrecy, upgrading the BVAS, ensuring polling unit accessibility, and prosecuting election offenders.
Also addressing journalists at a separate news conference, TAF Africa, focusing on the inclusion of persons with disabilities, PWDs, reported widespread and brazen acts of vote-buying, inadequate deployment of assistive tools, and partial deployment of Form EC 40H, which hinders accurate representation of PWDs in electoral records.
The organisation noted instances of inaccessibility in some polling units, low voter turnout, and security concerns.
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TAF Africa recommends that INEC should ensure full compliance with the 2022 Electoral Act, strengthen training of election officials, and invest in public awareness around disability inclusion. Additionally, the organisation calls on government and policymakers to collaborate on accessible transportation systems, strengthen existing electoral laws, and facilitate voter mobilisation and education efforts.
Both organisations emphasise the need for stakeholders to prioritise disability inclusion and electoral integrity in future elections.
The Ondo State Governorship election has highlighted significant gaps in Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly regarding disability inclusion.
As Nigeria prepares for future elections, the organisations said it is essential to address these challenges and prioritise equity, accessibility, and inclusivity.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
