The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) across West Africa through knowledge sharing and technical assistance aimed at strengthening democratic processes in the region.
This pledge was emphasized on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, when INEC hosted a delegation of senior electoral officials from Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, and Sierra Leone at its headquarters in Abuja. The visiting team was warmly received by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, alongside National Commissioners, in what was described as a significant diplomatic engagement to enhance electoral cooperation.
Welcoming the delegates, Prof. Yakubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to fostering credible elections beyond its borders. Reflecting on past collaborations with electoral bodies in the region, he said:
“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.”
He further stressed that electoral cooperation within the ECOWAS sub-region is essential for democratic consolidation and good governance.
The visiting officials expressed deep appreciation for INEC’s leadership in advancing electoral best practices. They acknowledged Nigeria’s contributions through capacity-building initiatives and advisory support, which they said have positively impacted electoral administration in their respective countries.
A Liberian delegate praised INEC’s guidance, stating:
“The expertise shared by INEC has been invaluable to our electoral reforms.”
This sentiment was echoed by representatives from the other participating nations.
INEC National Commissioner, Major General Modibbo Alkali (Rtd), highlighted the crucial link between electoral integrity and regional security. Drawing from his experience in ECOMOG peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone, he emphasized that political stability and credible elections are fundamental to sustaining democracy in West Africa.
The visit concluded with a symbolic exchange of plaques of honour, along with copies of INEC’s comprehensive report on Nigeria’s 2023 general elections and a stakeholders’ review document.
The delegation included:
- Senegal: Birame Sene, Direction General des Elections (DGE)
- Guinea Bissau: Felisberta Moura Vaz, Deputy Executive Secretary, COMISSÃO NACIONAL DE ELEIÇÕES (CNE)
- Sierra Leone: Zainab Umu Moseray, Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL)
- Liberia: Isaac Samuel Zahn, Data Center Director, National Elections Commission (NEC)
Joining Prof. Yakubu to receive the delegation were INEC National Commissioners, including Prof. Sani Adam (SAN), Dr. Baba Bila, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, Mr. Sam Olumekun (mni), Prof. Rhoda Gumus, and Prof. Abdullahi Abdu-Zuru.
INEC’s continued engagement with regional electoral bodies underscores its leadership role in West Africa’s electoral administration, reinforcing a shared vision for transparent, credible, and peaceful elections across the sub-region.