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ABUJA (NAN) - At least 12 high-ranking officials from the national electoral management body of Benin Republic, known as Commission Electorale Nationale Autonomie (CENA), are presently in Nigeria to observe the electoral processes of the country.
The 12-member CENA delegation, led by its president, Sacca Lafia, was received by chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
Yakubu said that the delegation, comprising national commissioners, directors and critical staff members, was in the country to understudy Nigeria’s electoral processes and procedures.
He said that in early November, INEC received a letter from CENA indicating its interest in undertaking a study visit to INEC as the country was preparing for its “most complex election in 2026.”
Yakubu said that for the first time in its history, CENA would be conducting three elections within a period of three months.
The elections, according to him, include legislative and local elections, saying that they would be held in January 2026.
He said that the election would be followed by the presidential election in April 2026.
“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.
“CENA is also interested in election budgeting and mode of payment to different service providers, security during elections and the use of technology.
“The accreditation of local and international observers, engagement with electoral stakeholders and other aspects of Nigeria’s electoral experience, are also included,” he said.
Yakubu said that INEC had drawn up an elaborate programme for the visit covering all aspects of the electoral process.
He said that various departments within the commission had been scheduled to brief the visitors.
The INEC chairman expressed confidence that peer learning and support would help to strengthen the processes for the country’s elections.
“I want to assure CENA that we will fully share our experiences with you and make available relevant documents that will enrich your understanding of our processes,” Yakubu said.
Responding, chairman of CENA, Sacca Lafia, said that they were in Nigeria to understudy INEC’s electoral process.
Lafia expressed confidence that experience sharing from INEC would go a long way in enhancing the country’s elections.
“Thank you for the warm reception; thank you for this meeting. The president has mandated the conduct of three elections within three months in 2026.
“We are going to learn from Nigeria’s experience so that we can do well. This meeting and engagement will surely make that come to pass,” he said.
