The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has assured its counterpart in Benin Republic, the Commission Electorale Nationale Autonomie, CENA, of full support and collaboration as it prepares for its most complex elections in 2026.
INEC’s Boss who was speaking during a meeting with the visiting delegation from CENA at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, emphasized the importance of peer learning in improving electoral processes across Africa.
“This visit is timely as it provides an opportunity for us to share experiences and learn from each other. INEC will make available relevant documents and insights that will help you navigate the challenges of managing such complex elections,” Yakubu said.
Prof. Yakubu also commended CENA for the proactive step of engaging with INEC ahead of its 2026 elections. “For the first time in its history, CENA will be conducting three elections in just three months. We understand the enormity of the task and are ready to fully share our experiences, including the use of technology, security arrangements, and stakeholder engagement.”
The 12-member CENA delegation, led by its President, Dr. Sacca Lafia, expressed deep admiration for Nigeria’s electoral system and highlighted specific areas of interest. “We are here to learn from your successes and challenges. Nigeria’s innovations, especially in election technology and logistics, are lessons we hope to adapt to our context,” Dr. Lafia said.
According to him, CENA is particularly keen on understanding INEC’s legal framework, recruitment and training of poll officials, and budget management. “Your use of technology and coordination of multiple stakeholders are exemplary, and we look forward to applying similar practices back home,” he added.
INEC has organized a series of departmental briefings to provide in-depth knowledge of its electoral processes. A senior official from INEC’s Department of Election Operations said, “We plan to take the delegation through the entire election process, from planning and budgeting to stakeholder collaboration, so they have a clear understanding of how we operate.”
The visit underscores the growing collaboration between African electoral bodies in promoting credible, transparent, and inclusive elections. “African countries must continue to learn from each other to strengthen democracy on the continent,” Yakubu said.
