ELECTION OBSERVATION REPORT - PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION – REPUBLIC OF BENIN (2026)

NIGERIA–BENIN ADVOCACY FOR DEVELOPMENT FORUM (NBADF)
ELECTION OBSERVATION REPORT
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION – REPUBLIC OF BENIN (2026)

1. Introduction

The Nigeria–Benin Advocacy for Development Forum (NBADF), in line with its mandate to promote democratic governance, regional cooperation, and cross-border institutional engagement, participated in the observation of the 2026 Presidential Election in the Republic of Benin.

The NBADF delegation was officially led by His Excellency, Ambassador Oguntuase Kayode, Chairman of the Forum, who also served as Head of Delegation. The mission provided an opportunity for the Forum to assess electoral processes, strengthen institutional relationships, and contribute to democratic consolidation within the West African sub-region.

2. Composition of the NBADF Delegation

The Forum was represented by the following members:

• Ambassador Oguntuase Kayode – Chairman / Head of Delegation
• Mr. Emmanuel Essien – Secretary
• Alhaji Umar Barka – Member (Covered the Chikandou)
• Dr. Ajibare Samuel Olumide – Member (Covered the Porto-Novo)

3. Pre-Election Engagements

3.1 High-Level Engagement with ECOWAS Commission

His Excellency, Ambassador Oguntuase Kayode, held a strategic meeting with Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, Head of Political Affairs at the ECOWAS Commission.
The meeting focused on:

• Regional electoral stability
• Democratic governance in West Africa
• The role of observer missions in strengthening electoral credibility

This engagement reinforced NBADF’s alignment with regional institutions and its growing recognition as a credible stakeholder in cross-border governance matters.

3.2 Participation in Pre-Election Briefing at CENA

The delegation attended the official pre-election briefing organized by the Commission Électorale Nationale Autonome (CENA).
Key highlights included:

• Overview of electoral procedures
• Guidelines for observers
• Security and logistics arrangements
• Compliance expectations for stakeholders

The briefing provided critical operational insights that guided the observation exercise.

3.3 Engagement with the Nigerian Embassy in Cotonou

The Head of Delegation met with the Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Cotonou.
Discussions centered on:

• Nigeria–Benin diplomatic relations
• Security considerations for observers
• Institutional cooperation during the election period

This engagement ensured alignment with Nigeria’s diplomatic mission and enhanced coordination.

3.4 Interaction with Observer Community

His Excellency held several discussions with both international and national observers.
These interactions facilitated:

• Exchange of observations and methodologies
• Comparative insights on electoral practices
• Strengthening of observer networks

4. Election Day Observation

4.1 Polling Unit Visitation

The NBADF delegation observed voting activities at the polling unit where the President cast his vote.

Location:

• Littoral Department, Cotonou
• 5ème Arrondissement
• Zongo Nima Quartier
• Polling Unit Code: 10088
• Venue: Ecole Charles Guillot

4.2 Observations at the Polling Unit

• The polling environment was orderly and peaceful.
• Electoral officials were present and actively conducting the process.
• Security personnel were adequately deployed, ensuring safety and compliance.
• Voters conducted themselves in a calm and organized manner.

The overall conduct at the polling unit reflected a structured and controlled electoral process.

5. Post-Election Activities

5.1 Visit to CENA Office

Following the conclusion of voting, the delegation paid a post-election visit to the CENA office.
The purpose of the visit was to observe:

• The arrival of polling materials from across the country
• Collation logistics and procedures
• Handling and accountability of electoral materials

This provided additional transparency into the post-election phase of the electoral process.

6. Media Engagement

The NBADF mission attracted media attention, with NEWS Central requesting an interview with His Excellency, Ambassador Oguntuase Kayode.

The interview was meant to provide a platform to:

• Share preliminary observations
• Highlight NBADF’s role in election observation
• Contribute to public discourse on the credibility of the election

7. Key Observations

• The electoral process demonstrated a reasonable level of organization and coordination.
• Security presence contributed positively to maintaining order.
• Stakeholder engagement, including observer participation, was inclusive.
• Electoral management authorities showed commitment to transparency, particularly during post-election material handling.

8. Conclusion

The participation of NBADF in the 2026 Presidential Election in the Republic of Benin underscores the Forum’s commitment to promoting democratic governance, electoral integrity, and regional cooperation.

The mission further strengthened NBADF’s institutional visibility and credibility within the West African sub-region, particularly in its engagement with ECOWAS, national electoral bodies, and diplomatic institutions.

NBADF remains committed to supporting democratic processes and fostering sustainable cross-border collaboration between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

9. Recommendations

• Continued collaboration between NBADF and regional bodies such as ECOWAS.
• Strengthening of observer frameworks for future elections.
• Expansion of NBADF’s role in electoral observation and policy advocacy.
• Enhanced engagement with electoral management bodies for institutional partnerships.

Submitted by:
Mr. Emmanuel Essien
Secretary, NBADF

For and on behalf of:
His Excellency Ambassador Oguntuase Kayode
Chairman, NBADF