Abuja, Nigeria – July 22, 2025 – As Nigeria’s albinism community prepares for a landmark moment in its journey toward inclusive leadership and democratic accountability, Ambassador Jake Epelle, renowned disability rights advocate and Founder of TAF Africa, has issued a compelling statement ahead of the National Elections of the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN), calling for a transparent, credible, and participatory process that upholds the principles of democracy and inclusion.
In a powerful message shared with stakeholders across the disability and civil society landscape, Amb. Epelle, who is also the founder of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, emphasized the significance of the upcoming elections as a pivotal moment for the albinism community in Nigeria.
“This election is not merely a routine process; it is a defining moment to reaffirm our commitment to the principles of self-determination, integrity, and leadership accountability,” said Ambassador Epelle.
Amb. Epelle’s statement comes at a time when the albinism community—long marginalized in societal discourse—is increasingly asserting its right to representation, visibility, and leadership within the broader disability movement in Nigeria. As the electoral process for new national executives draws near, his call serves as both a guiding light and a stern reminder of the values that must underpin the election.
Democracy, Not Division
Describing AAN as a “symbol of collective voice, resilience, and shared journey,” Amb. Epelle highlighted the critical need for the electoral process to reflect fairness, transparency, accountability, and inclusion. He stressed that elections must mirror the will of the people and be free from “undue influence, coercion, or interference of any kind, internal or external.”
“Every eligible and interested member must be given equal opportunity to contest and be voted for—without fear of discrimination, marginalization, or manipulation,” he said, adding that the credibility of this process will define how the association is perceived not only by its members but also by the public and other stakeholders in the disability space.
A Call to the Electoral Committee and Contestants
Ambassador Epelle also directed a strong message to the Electoral Committee overseeing the elections, urging its members to discharge their duties with utmost integrity and impartiality. He stressed that the committee carries a “sacred responsibility” to protect the democratic values upon which the association was built.
“Let the process reflect the highest standards of organizational governance. Let it model internal democracy that inspires confidence in our leadership,” he urged.
To those contesting for leadership roles, he offered a salute of respect, acknowledging their courage and readiness to serve the community. He encouraged aspirants to run issue-based, respectful campaigns, grounded in compassion, competence, and credibility.
“The leadership we seek must be one that listens, learns, and leads with integrity,” he emphasized.
A Broader Appeal to the Disability Community
Amb. Epelle extended his message beyond the AAN, calling on the entire disability rights movement in Nigeria to pay close attention to the elections and support efforts that ensure its credibility and fairness. He pointed out that how communities manage their internal affairs is as important as the causes they advocate externally.
“We must all remember that the strength of our advocacy lies not only in the causes we champion but in how we lead and govern ourselves,” he stated.
As the CEO of TAF Africa, a leading organization committed to advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities across Nigeria and Africa, Amb. Epelle’s voice carries significant weight in the disability and civil society sectors. His intervention is expected to set the tone for a more orderly, inclusive, and democratic election process in the AAN.
A Moment to Inspire, Unite, and Lead
With the countdown to election day underway, Ambassador Epelle’s message is more than just a press statement—it is a rallying cry to the albinism community to rise above divisiveness and self-interest, and instead embrace unity, democratic values, and servant leadership.
“Let this election inspire confidence in the future of the Albinism Association of Nigeria and empower a new cadre of servant leaders committed to the welfare, visibility, and empowerment of all persons with albinism in Nigeria,” he concluded.
The upcoming elections present a crucial test of leadership and organizational maturity. But more importantly, they offer a historic opportunity to show that persons with albinism are not just beneficiaries of inclusion, but architects of it.
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