The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has once again sparked debate following its announcement to train high-profile members of Benin Republic’s electoral body, Commission Electorale Nationale Autonome (CENA), on the conduct of successful elections. This development has polarized Nigerians, with opinions ranging from harsh criticism to cautious optimism about INEC’s ability to add value abroad.

The Training Initiative: What INEC Plans to Offer

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, revealed that the 12-member delegation from CENA, comprising National Commissioners, Directors, and senior staff, arrived in Abuja to understudy Nigeria’s electoral processes. The goal of their visit is to gather insights ahead of Benin Republic’s 2026 elections, which will see the country conduct Legislative, Local Government, and Presidential polls within a tight three-month window.

Prof. Yakubu explained that CENA’s focus areas include:

• The legal framework for elections
• Design and printing of election materials
• Recruitment and training of polling officials
• Election budgeting and payment mechanisms
• Election security strategies
• The role of technology in elections
• Accreditation of observers
• Stakeholder engagement

Yakubu emphasized the value of peer-to-peer learning, stating:

“Peer learning and support will help strengthen processes. I want to assure CENA that we will fully share our experience and make available relevant documents to enrich your understanding of our electoral framework.”

Criticism: Is INEC Credible Enough to Train Others?

Despite the optimism from INEC’s leadership, skepticism dominates public opinion, especially among Nigerians who feel the commission has repeatedly underperformed. Critics argue that INEC’s track record in recent elections disqualifies it from mentoring others.

PDP’s Scathing Response

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wasted no time condemning INEC’s capacity to train any electoral body. PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, stated:

“How can you provide inspiration to others when you cannot inspire yourself? INEC is the worst electoral umpire in human history, consistently failing Nigerians, especially in 2019 and 2023.”

Abdullahi admonished Benin Republic and any other nation seeking INEC’s expertise to reconsider, describing the move as a potential misstep.

Chijioke Edeoga: Technical Capacity vs. Execution

Former House of Representatives member and Labour Party’s Enugu governorship candidate, Chijioke Edeoga, acknowledged INEC’s technical expertise but criticized its inability to uphold integrity. He pointed to instances where INEC violated its guidelines, particularly in the 2023 general elections:

“There are individuals within INEC who refuse to do the right thing, even when the commission’s integrity is at stake. The failure to transmit results electronically reflects deeper systemic issues.”

Edeoga questioned whether INEC’s collaborations abroad could inspire internal reforms.

Optimism: INEC’s Capacity to Perform Abroad

On the other side of the debate, some experts believe that INEC has amassed enough experience to assist other electoral bodies, particularly in regions with similar challenges.

ACF’s Balanced Perspective

Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, National Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), argued that INEC’s organizational resources are robust, despite its inconsistent performance domestically:

“INEC may perform better abroad because external factors, like political desperation, government interference, and weak judicial enforcement, hinder its optimal performance in Nigeria.”

Prof. Muhammad-Baba emphasized that actual performance does not always equate to capacity, suggesting INEC has valuable knowledge to share.

Anthony Sani: A Broader Humanitarian Role

Former ACF Secretary General, Anthony Sani, echoed similar sentiments, noting that perfection is not a prerequisite for sharing expertise:

“In international cooperation, you do not need to be perfect to help others. America helps other countries despite its own internal challenges. Similarly, INEC can share its experiences with nations less endowed.”

Faruq Abbas: INEC’s Improvement Over Time

Legal expert Faruq Abbas defended INEC’s credibility, highlighting the progress the commission has made since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999:

“While logistical challenges persist, INEC’s experience in managing elections in a complex terrain like Nigeria is invaluable. Benin Republic can learn a lot, particularly about election management and tackling systemic challenges.”

Abbas further argued that the 2023 presidential election outcome reflected a true voting pattern despite controversies surrounding its execution.

What This Means for INEC and Africa’s Electoral Future

The debate surrounding INEC’s training initiative reflects broader concerns about electoral credibility in Africa. However, it also underscores the importance of regional collaboration to improve electoral systems across the continent.

INEC’s involvement in Benin Republic’s preparations for its 2026 elections could serve as a turning point, demonstrating Nigeria’s role as a leader in Africa’s democratic journey. For INEC, this opportunity presents a chance to redeem its reputation and showcase its technical expertise on a global stage.

Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag of Expectations

While critics continue to challenge INEC’s credibility based on past performance, supporters argue that the commission’s wealth of experience can offer valuable lessons to other countries like Benin Republic. The success of this collaboration will depend on INEC’s ability to deliver tangible, impactful insights that enhance CENA’s electoral management capacity.

Ultimately, this partnership could inspire reforms, not just in Benin Republic, but also within INEC itself. As Prof. Muhammad-Baba aptly put it:

“Let’s just hope INEC learns from its students, so to speak.”