Ekiti Poll: TAF Africa to deploy 25 sign language interpreters for PWDs

A non-governmental organisation, the All Rights Foundation (TAF Africa), has announced plans to deploy 25 sign language interpreters to support Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) during the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State. The organisation said the initiative was aimed at ensuring that PWDs fully participate in the electoral process without discrimination or barriers. Speaking in Ado-Ekiti during the grand finale of a week-long sensitisation programme ahead of the election, the Programme Manager of the project, Dr. Andrew Adaji, said the interpreters would be deployed to polling units with high numbers of persons with hearing impairments. The exercise is being carried out under the organisation’s “Able2Vote Community Outreach for Persons with Disabilities in Ekiti State” project. Adaji explained that the interpreters would undergo intensive training before deployment to ensure effective support for voters during the election. “After now, we are going to train our sign language interpreters because we will be deploying them to polling units during the elections. We have already mapped polling units with persons with hearing impairments, and the interpreters will assist them during voting,” he said. He noted that the initiative was part of efforts to promote inclusive participation in governance and electoral activities. According to him, persons with disabilities account for a significant percentage of Nigeria’s population and should not be excluded from political participation. Adaji also called for an end to the discrimination and stigmatisation of persons with disabilities, urging governments to adopt more inclusive policies, especially in the education sector. “Contrary to popular belief, persons with disabilities do not need special schools. Separating them only promotes stigmatisation. What governments should do is create inclusive schools where both PWDs and non-PWDs can learn together, with teachers available to meet the specific needs of every child,” he stated.

He further commended the relatively peaceful atmosphere ahead of the Ekiti governorship election, expressing hope that the peaceful conduct would continue on election day. “I have monitored elections in Ekiti that were marred by violence, but this is the first time I am witnessing such a peaceful pre-election atmosphere. I hope the same peace will be maintained during the election proper,” he said. Adaji urged eligible PWDs who had yet to complete their voter registration and validation with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to do so without delay. Participants at the programme, including Ibitoye Helen and Ebenezer Ogunlade, described the initiative as timely and impactful, saying it had enlightened them on electoral processes and the rights of persons with disabilities during elections.