The Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA) of Benin has reached out to Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for support and guidance as it prepares for its most significant electoral challenge in 2026.
A 12-member delegation from CENA, led by its President, Sacca Lafia, arrived in Abuja on Monday for a study visit to INEC.
Their goal is to gain insights into Nigeria’s electoral processes to help manage Benin’s upcoming elections, which will include legislative and local elections in January 2026, followed by the presidential election in April 2026.
During the visit, INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu expressed Nigeria’s readiness to assist Benin in its preparations.
He explained that CENA had officially requested a study visit in early November to understand Nigeria’s approach to elections, particularly as Benin will conduct three major elections within a span of just three months.
“The legislative and local elections are scheduled for January 2026, followed by the presidential election in April 2026. This will be the first time in Benin’s history that the commission will oversee three elections in such a short period. As a result, CENA’s delegation, consisting of national commissioners, directors, and key staff, is here to learn about our processes,” Yakubu stated.
Yakubu outlined the areas in which CENA seeks guidance, including Nigeria’s legal framework for elections, the design and printing of election materials, recruitment and training of poll officials, budgeting, security arrangements, the use of technology, the accreditation of observers, and the overall engagement with electoral stakeholders.
He assured CENA of INEC’s willingness to share its experience, noting that such partnerships help strengthen electoral systems across Africa.
Lafia expressed gratitude for INEC’s hospitality and emphasized the importance of the visit.
“The President has mandated us to conduct three elections within three months in 2026, and this study visit is crucial to ensuring we succeed. We are confident that the knowledge we gain here will contribute significantly to our success,” Lafia said.
