Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has lauded the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) for selecting Nigeria as a model for its electoral learning tour, emphasizing the importance of shared democratic growth across Africa.
During a farewell dinner held in Abuja to conclude the week-long visit, Acting INEC Chairman, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the Ethiopian delegation’s commitment to learning from Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“We hope all you have learnt here will contribute positively to the advancement of democratic practices in your country,” she stated, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the engagement.
The Ethiopian delegation, which also included representatives from the Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organisations for Elections (CECOE), spent several days engaging deeply with INEC officials and exploring Nigeria’s electoral processes.
NEBE’s Deputy Chairman, Mr. Tesfaye Niwai, spoke on behalf of the visiting team, praising INEC for its hospitality and highlighting Nigeria’s electoral diversity and democratic strength as sources of inspiration.
“We’ve gained valuable insights into INEC’s legal framework, inclusivity strategies, and stakeholder engagement,” Niwai remarked, noting that the lessons learned would inform ongoing electoral reforms back home.
INEC’s Secretary, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, also took the opportunity to recognize the groundwork laid by the immediate past INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who initiated the partnership, while commending the acting leadership for carrying it forward.
The study tour, supported by GIZ Nigeria and Ethiopia, concluded with both institutions reiterating their dedication to strengthening democratic processes and fostering electoral collaboration across the continent.
(NAN)
