Benin Republic Electoral Commission Visits Nigeria to Study INEC’s Processes

The Benin Republic Electoral Commisssion visits Nigeria to learn from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on best practices and election management.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pledged to share their insights and provide necessary documents to assist the Commission Electorale Nationale Autonomie (CENA) of Benin Republic in organizing their elections in 2026.

On Monday, Yakubu spoke to a visiting delegation from Benin Republic’s Commission Electorale Nationale Autonomie (CENA) in Abuja.

Dr. Sacca Lafia, the President of Benin Republic’s Autonomous National Electoral Commission, along with other commission officials, is visiting Nigeria to conduct a study tour with INEC in preparation for their most challenging election set for 2026.

CENA is set to hold three elections over a span of three months. The Legislative and Local Elections are scheduled for January 2026, followed by the Presidential election in April 2026.

Yakubu stated that, for this reason, a 12-member delegation from the Benin Republic—led by its President and including National Commissioners, Directors, and key staff members—was present “to study our processes and procedures.”

According to the INEC leader, CENA is focused on various aspects of Nigeria’s electoral process, including the legal framework for elections, designing and printing election materials and forms, recruiting and training poll officials, budgeting for elections along with payment methods for different service providers. Additionally, they are interested in security during elections through technology use as well as accrediting local and international observers while engaging with electoral stakeholders.

He mentioned that the Commission has prepared a “detailed program for the visit, addressing every aspect of the electoral process.”

Different departments within the Commission are set to brief the visitors. Peer learning and support will contribute to strengthening processes.

I want to assure CENA that we will completely share our experience with you and provide pertinent documents to enhance your understanding of our processes.