A 12-member delegation from Benin Republic’s electoral body, the Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA), visited Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in December 2024. The delegation, led by CENA President Dr. Sacca Lafia, is keen on learning from Nigeria’s experience as it prepares for its 2026 elections.
The visit, which took place in Abuja, included an in-depth exploration of Nigeria’s electoral system, with a focus on several key areas. The delegation was particularly interested in understanding the legal frameworks that govern elections in Nigeria, the design and printing of election materials, and the recruitment and training of electoral officers.
One of the most significant aspects of the visit was the interest shown in Nigeria’s adoption of technology to streamline elections. The delegation was keen to explore the innovative methods Nigeria has implemented for voter accreditation, results transmission, and electronic voting.
INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu welcomed the delegation, emphasizing the importance of knowledge-sharing between electoral bodies. He highlighted the mutual benefits of such partnerships, as both countries strive for more transparent, credible, and inclusive elections.
The visit also provided an opportunity for a hands-on learning experience, with Benin’s officials observing INEC’s operational structures and systems. The delegation expressed their gratitude to INEC for sharing insights that could help Benin’s preparations for their upcoming polls.
Dr. Lafia also expressed his admiration for Nigeria’s robust election security arrangements, which play a vital role in ensuring the integrity of the election process. He stated that understanding Nigeria’s approach to election security would be crucial for CENA as they work to safeguard Benin’s democracy.
The week-long study visit, which included tours of INEC’s facilities and interactive sessions with key INEC officials, is expected to have a significant impact on Benin’s electoral reforms and preparations.
Prof. Yakubu reiterated INEC’s commitment to helping other African countries enhance their electoral processes, noting that the strength of democracy in the region depends on collaborative efforts and shared expertise.
