In advance of Benin’s upcoming election in 2026, a team from the Commission Electorale Nationale Autonomie, CENA of the Benin Republic, arrived in Abuja on Monday, December 16, to gain insights from the Independent National Electoral Commission. Chairman Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this news.
CENA will oversee three elections within three months. Legislative and Local Elections are scheduled for January 2026, followed by the Presidential election in April 2026.
Yakubu noted that due to this, the 12-member delegation from Benin, led by President Dr. Sacca Lafia, is visiting Nigeria “to examine our processes and practices.”
“The CENA team is keen to understand Nigeria’s electoral legal framework, the creation and printing of election materials and forms, the hiring and training of polling officials, election budgeting and payment procedures for diverse service providers, security measures during elections, technological implementation, accreditation of domestic and international observers, interaction with electoral stakeholders, and various facets of Nigeria’s electoral experience,” the chairman of INEC stated.
He added that the Commission has prepared a “comprehensive schedule for the visit touching on all aspects of the electoral procedure.”
“Different Departments within the Commission are set to brief the visitors. Collaborative learning and assistance will enhance processes.
“I want to assure CENA that we will wholeheartedly share our experiences with you and provide pertinent documents that will deepen your understanding of our methods.”