By Gabriel Ameh
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stepped up efforts to improve Nigeria’s electoral process through international collaboration and knowledge exchange, as Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, leads a high-level delegation to the International Election Observation Programme (IEOP) in South Korea.
The programme, organised by the National Election Commission (NEC) of the Republic of Korea, is holding from May 29 to June 5, 2026, alongside the country’s Nationwide Simultaneous Local Elections.
The initiative brings together election management bodies, electoral experts, and international observers from across the world to share experiences and study modern approaches to election administration and democratic governance.
The opening ceremony was held in Seoul on Saturday, May 30, 2026, marking the beginning of a series of observation sessions, technical engagements, and learning activities focused on electoral processes and innovations.
Members of the INEC delegation include National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu; Chief Technical Adviser to the Chairman, Prof. Dimis Mai-Lafia; and Director of Training, Dr. Binta Kasim Mohammed.
As part of the programme, the delegation visited an early voting centre in Mia-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, where they observed voting procedures and engaged election officials on operational strategies and election management practices.
INEC said participation in the programme reflects the Commission’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system through the adoption of global best practices and emerging technologies.
The engagement is also expected to deepen the Commission’s understanding of voter participation, election observation mechanisms, electoral transparency, and innovations shaping democratic processes around the world.
Political observers believe the exposure will support INEC’s ongoing electoral reforms aimed at improving the credibility, transparency, and efficiency of elections in Nigeria while fostering stronger collaboration with electoral institutions globally.
