THE CABLE
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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