A delegation from Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), currently visiting the United States to observe the 2024 presidential election, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Embassy in Atlanta, Georgia.
The INEC team, led by National Electoral Commissioner Mr. Sam Olumekun, included several prominent members, such as INEC National Secretary Chief (Dr.) Rose Oriaran-Anthony. Other key figures in the delegation were Mr. Okezie Nwankwo, INEC Deputy Director; Professor Helen Paul, former Youth Ambassador to INEC; and Dr. Prince Ero Ibhafidon, President of the Waterlight Save Initiative Inc., an international NGO and INEC partner.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by officials at the Nigerian Embassy in Atlanta, who praised INEC’s commitment to enhancing democratic governance and learning from established democratic practices.
Among those present were Consul General Ambassador Auwalu Namadina Jega; Mr. Mohammed Shehu, Consul (Political and Economic); Mrs. Miriam C. Udeozo, Consul (NIDO, Education & Culture); Mr. Abubakar Othman, Consul (Head of Chancery); Mr. Kariya Sani Gambo, Financial Attaché; and Mrs. Stellamaris Eniolorunda, Vice Consul (Immigration).
The visit aimed to discuss the objectives of INEC’s observation mission in the U.S., focusing on enhancing Nigeria’s electoral system through strategies that support transparency, voter participation, efficient logistics, and unbiased vote counting.
In her remarks, INEC National Secretary Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony emphasized the value of international collaborations in advancing the professional skills of INEC’s electoral staff and strengthening Nigeria’s commitment to democratic integrity.
Dr. Prince Ero Ibhafidon, President of Waterlight Save Initiative Inc., noted that the partnership with INEC represents a shared commitment to collaborative governance and mutual learning to support free, fair, and credible elections.
