Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Monday, played host to a high-power delegation from the Commission Electorale Nationale Autonomie (CENA) of Benin Republic.
The CENA officials led by its chairman, Dr Sacca Lafia, were at the INEC headquarters in Abuja to understudy Nigeria’s electoral processes and procedures.
According to the INEC Chairman, early last month, INEC received a letter from CENA indicating its interest to undertake a study visit to INEC Nigeria as they prepare for their 2026 polls.
CENA will be conducting three elections within a period of three months. Legislative and local elections will be held in January 2026, to be followed by the Presidential election in April 2026.
For this reason, the President of the Commission led a 12-member delegation, comprising National Commissioners, Directors, and critical staff to understudy to Nigeria’s electoral processes and procedures.
The Benin Republic’s electoral body is particularly 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.
Receiving the delegation, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu commended CENA for its proactive approach in seeking to learn from Nigeria’s electoral experiences ahead of its landmark elections in 2026.
“It is my pleasure to warmly welcome my friend and colleague, the President of CENA, Dr. Sacca Lafia and other senior officials of CENA to INEC Nigeria.
“I want to assure CENA that we will fully share our experience with you and make available relevant documents that will enrich your understanding of our processes.
Prof. Yakubu disclosed that the Commission has drawn up an elaborate programme for the visit covering all aspects of the electoral process, adding that various departments within the Commission are scheduled to brief the visitors.
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