The National Elections Commission (NEC) of Liberia has bestowed an honorary tribute upon Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The tribute was extended during the dedication of a workspace for NEC staff, officiated by Professor Yakubu at the invitation of Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah, Chairperson of NEC Liberia.
Madam Lansana, in her address, acknowledged the crucial technical support provided by INEC Nigeria and Professor Yakubu in establishing the workspace and strengthening the electoral process in Liberia. She expressed NEC Liberia’s deep gratitude for the indispensable contributions made by Professor Yakubu and INEC Nigeria in supporting Liberia’s democratic journey.
Highlighting Professor Yakubu’s role as the President of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC), Madam Lansanah praised his advocacy for resource sharing among regional Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs). She commended his influential efforts, which led to Liberia’s election as the First Vice President of ECONEC in 2021, and expressed appreciation for his steadfast support of NEC-Liberia in various regional endeavours.
Professor Yakubu expressed heartfelt appreciation to NEC-Liberia for the esteemed honour bestowed upon INEC Nigeria during the dedication of the workspace. He emphasised the value of this resource in enhancing the operational capabilities of staff, particularly through IT facilities.
Recalling past collaborations, Professor Yakubu mentioned INEC Nigeria’s assistance during Liberia’s 2017 presidential election. He highlighted the joint efforts of IT experts from INEC and NEC-Liberia in addressing stakeholders’ concerns regarding the voters’ register, as well as the technical support provided for subsequent special elections and the 2020 referendum facilitated by ECOWAS.
Underscoring the significance of inter-EMB collaboration, Professor Yakubu emphasised the complexity of election management and urged prioritising peer support amid limited resources and escalating election costs.
The event witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Liberia, Christine N. Umutoni; Mr. Manir Ibrahim, Charge d’affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Liberia, representatives of the Liberian Bar Association, along with the Co-Chairperson, Members of the Board of Commissioners, senior officials, and well-wishers of NEC Liberia.