The Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has pledged the Commission’s full support to the Commission Electorale Nationale Autonomie (CENA) of Benin Republic as it prepares for its 2026 elections. Yakubu assured the visiting delegation of sharing INEC’s experiences and providing critical documentation to assist in organizing what is expected to be Benin’s most complex electoral cycle yet.
Prof. Yakubu made the commitment while addressing CENA’s 12-member delegation, led by its President, Dr. Sacca Lafia, during a study visit to INEC headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
The delegation, comprising National Commissioners, Directors, and senior staff, is in Nigeria to learn from INEC’s processes and procedures as CENA plans to conduct three major elections within three months in 2026: legislative and local elections in January, followed by the presidential election in April.
Highlighting the areas of focus, Yakubu said CENA is particularly interested in Nigeria’s legal framework for elections, election material design and production, recruitment and training of polling officials, election budgeting, security measures, technology deployment, and stakeholder engagement.
He emphasized INEC’s readiness to share its expertise, stating:
“CENA is here to understudy our processes and procedures. We have designed an elaborate programme covering all aspects of our electoral system. Various departments will brief the visitors to ensure robust peer learning that strengthens electoral processes.”
Yakubu reiterated INEC’s commitment to fostering collaboration across electoral bodies in Africa, noting that shared experiences and mutual support are crucial for advancing democratic practices on the continent.
Dr. Lafia expressed gratitude to INEC, describing the visit as pivotal to CENA’s preparations for their upcoming elections.
This partnership underscores the importance of cross-border collaboration in promoting credible and efficient electoral systems in Africa.
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