Amupitan Heads INEC Delegation to South Korea’s International Election Observation Program

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja 

Professor Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led a delegation to the opening ceremony of the International Election Observation Programme (IEOP) for the Nationwide Simultaneous Local Elections currently being held in the Republic of Korea from May 29 to June 5, 2026.

INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Eta‑Messi, issued a statement yesterday confirming that the IEOP, organised by the South Korean National Election Commission (NEC), officially opened on May 30, 2026, in Seoul.

She explained that the event will bring together election management bodies, election experts, and international observers from around the world to observe and exchange knowledge on the conduct of local government elections in South Korea.

The INEC chairman was accompanied by National Commissioner Mrs. May Agbamuche‑Mbu, Chief Technical Adviser to the Chairman Prof. Dimis Mai‑Lafia, and Director of Training Dr. Binta Kasim Mohammed.

Eta‑Messi added that during the programme the INEC team observed early voting operations at a polling centre in Mia‑dong, Gangbuk‑gu, Seoul, gaining firsthand insight into South Korea’s electoral processes and procedures.

She noted that the delegation’s participation is expected to deepen the commission’s understanding of emerging trends and global best practices in election administration, international observation, and electoral governance, in line with the commission’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.