A 12-member delegation from Benin Republic’s Autonomous
National Electoral Commission (CENA) has visited the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) on a study tour.
The delegation, led by Sacca Lafia, CENA president, included
national commissioners, directors, and senior staff.
They were received on Monday by Mahmood Yakubu, INEC
chairman, alongside other commission members at INEC headquarters in Abuja.
The visit, according to Lafia, was aimed at learning from
Nigeria’s electoral processes and best practices as Benin Republic prepares for
its upcoming 2026 elections.
Speaking at the event, Yakubu highlighted the significance
of the visit and the unique challenges CENA faces ahead of the polls.
“Early last month, we received a letter from CENA indicating
its interest to undertake a study visit to INEC Nigeria as they prepare for
what they described as their most complex election in 2026,” he said.
Yakubu explained that CENA will, for the first time, conduct
three elections in three months. Legislative and local elections are scheduled
for January 2026, with the presidential election to follow in April 2026.
He said INEC had prepared a detailed programme to address
the delegation’s interests.
“In particular, CENA is interested in the legal framework
for elections in Nigeria, the design and printing of election materials and
forms, the recruitment and training of poll officials, election budgeting and
mode of payment to different service providers, security during elections, the
use of technology, the accreditation of local and international observers,
engagement with electoral stakeholders and other aspects of Nigeria’s electoral
experience,” Yakubu said.
He said INEC officials from various departments will brief
the delegation during their visit, covering all aspects of the electoral
process.
Yakubu assured the team of full access to resources and
documentation to support their preparation for the 2026 elections.
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