From David Onuoja, Abuja
Ahead of it’s 2026 elections, the President and officials of the Autonomous National Electoral Commission, Benin Republic has paid a study visit to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Abuja.
During the study visit, the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, said, the commission had earlier received a letter from Commission Electorale Nationale Autonome (CENA) Bénin, indicating its interest to undertake a study visit to INEC Nigeria as they prepare for what they described as their most complex election in 2026.
“For the first time in its history, 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 is leading a 12-member delegation, comprising National Commissioners, Directors and critical staff to understudy our processes and procedures.
“In particular, CENA is 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.
In response to the letter from CENA, the Nigerian INEC has drawn up an elaborate programme for the visit of the 12 member delegation to cover all the aspects of the electoral process; while all the Various Departments within the Commission are scheduled to brief the visitors.
“Peer learning and support will help to strengthen processes”, Yakubu said.
Professor Yakubu assured the Commission Electorale Nationale Autonomie that INEC will fully share its experience with them and make available relevant documents that will enrich their understanding of the processes.
