From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs), across the West African sub-region.
The Commission made the pledge when hosting a high-ranking electoral officials from Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, and Sierra Leone at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja.
The delegation was warmly received by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, alongside National Commissioners, in a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at deepening electoral cooperation across the region.
Welcoming the delegates, Prof. Yakubu, emphasised Nigeria’s unwavering dedication to fostering credible elections beyond its borders. Reflecting on past collaborations with electoral bodies from the visiting nations.
According to him, “Our doors remain open to our brothers and sisters across the region. Strengthening electoral integrity is a collective effort, and Nigeria is always ready to share its experiences and expertise.
The INEC Chairman further stressed that electoral cooperation remains vital for democratic consolidation within the ECOWAS sub-region.
Responding, the visiting officials expressed their appreciation for INEC’s role in advancing electoral processes in West Africa. They also acknowledged Nigeria’s contributions through capacity-building initiatives and advisory support which have positively impacted electoral administration in their respective countries.
Also, delegation from Liberia commended INEC’s guidance, stating that “The expertise shared by INEC has been invaluable to our electoral reforms. This sentiment was echoed by representatives from the other nations” they said.
A notable moment during the engagement came from INEC National Commissioner, Major General Modibbo Alkali (Rtd), who highlighted the intersection of electoral assistance and regional security.
Expressing his experience in ECOMOG peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone, he underscored how stability and credible elections go hand in hand in sustaining democracy across the region.
The visit culminated in a symbolic exchange, as INEC presented plaques of honour to the delegates along with copies of its comprehensive report on Nigeria’s 2023 general elections and the stakeholders’ review document.
The visiting delegation included: Birame Sene, Direction General des Elections (DGE), Senegal, Felisberta Moura Vaz, Deputy Executive Secretary, COMISSÃO NACIONAL DE ELEIÇÕES (CNE), Guinea Bissau, Zainab Umu Moseray, Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) and Isaac Samuel Zahn, Data Center Director, National Elections Commission (NEC), Liberia.
INEC’s ongoing efforts to provide technical assistance to its regional counterparts underscore its role as a leader in electoral administration within West Africa, reinforcing the collective vision for transparent, credible, and peaceful elections across the sub-region.
