Election: Benin Republic officials visit INEC to learn Nigeria

On a research tour, a 12-member team from the Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA) of the Benin Republic has stopped by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to reports, national commissioners, directors, and senior staff were among the delegation, which was headed by CENA President Sacca Lafia.

Along with other commission members, INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu welcomed them to INEC headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

As the Benin Republic gets ready for its next elections in 2026, Lafia said the purpose of the visit was to learn from Nigeria’s electoral procedures and best practices.

Yakubu, who spoke at the ceremony, emphasized the importance of the visit and the particular difficulties CENA has in the run-up to the elections.

“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 stated.

Yakubu clarified that CENA will hold three elections in three months for the first time.

The presidential election is set for April 2026, after legislative and local elections in January 2026.

He claimed that INEC had created a thorough agenda to meet the needs of the delegation.

“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 stated that during the delegation’s visit, INEC representatives from several departments will provide them with a comprehensive briefing on every facet of the electoral process.

Yakubu promised the group that they would have complete access to all the materials and records they needed to help them get ready for the 2026 elections.

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