A 12-member delegation from Benin Republic’s Electoral Commission visited Nigeria's INEC to study its electoral processes ahead of the 2026 elections. Led by CENA President Sacca Lafia, the delegation explored various aspects of Nigeria’s election system, including legal frameworks, security, and technology, to inform their election preparations.
A 12-member delegation from Benin Republic's Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA) visited Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a study tour to learn from Nigeria's electoral processes. The visit, led by CENA President Sacca Lafia, included national commissioners, directors, and senior staff.
On Monday, INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu and other officials warmly received the delegation at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja. Lafia noted that the visit aims to provide insights as Benin prepares for its 2026 elections.
Yakubu emphasized the importance of this collaboration, especially since CENA is gearing up for its most complex election cycle yet. In 2026, Benin will hold legislative and local elections in January, followed by the presidential election in April, all within three months—an unprecedented challenge for the country.
Yakubu highlighted the delegation's areas of focus, including Nigeria's legal framework for elections, election material design and printing, poll official recruitment and training, election budgeting, security protocols, and the use of technology. He also mentioned the delegation's interest in the accreditation process for observers and stakeholder engagement.
During their visit, INEC officials from various departments will brief the delegation, offering detailed insights into all aspects of Nigeria’s electoral system. Yakubu assured the delegation full access to INEC’s resources and documents to aid Benin’s preparation for the 2026 elections.
