A delegation from Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), currently in the United States to observe the 2024 presidential election, has made a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Embassy in Atlanta, Georgia.
The delegation, led by INEC National Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Sam Olumekun, included several key members of the commission, such as INEC National Secretary, Chief (Dr.) Rose Oriaran-Anthony, and Deputy Director Mr. Okezie Nwankwo.
Other members of the delegation included Professor Helen Paul, a former Youth Ambassador to INEC, and Dr. Prince Ero Ibhafidon, President of the Waterlight Save Initiative Inc., an international NGO and INEC partner.
The INEC team was warmly received by Nigerian Embassy officials, who commended the Commission’s ongoing efforts to improve Nigeria’s electoral processes by learning from established democratic practices.
Among those present at the meeting were Consul General Ambassador Auwalu Namadina Jega, Consul (Political and Economic) Mr. Mohammed Shehu, Consul (NIDO, Education & Culture) Mrs. Miriam C. Udeozo, and other embassy staff.
The visit aimed to discuss the significance of INEC’s mission to observe the U.S. election and how the insights gained would inform Nigeria’s electoral reforms.
The delegation’s focus includes adopting best practices in voter engagement, ensuring transparency, improving logistics, and ensuring impartiality in vote counting.
Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony emphasized the importance of such international exchanges in strengthening INEC’s capabilities and ensuring Nigeria’s elections are free, fair, and credible.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ibhafidon underscored the value of the partnership between INEC and the Waterlight Save Initiative, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts to advance democratic governance and promote electoral integrity.
