President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on West African leaders to adopt the peaceful electoral processes demonstrated in Ghana as a benchmark for democratic governance and regional unity. Speaking at the 66th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS on Sunday in Abuja, President Tinubu lauded outgoing Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and the people of Ghana for their successful presidential and parliamentary elections, describing it as a beacon of democratic progress.
In a statement by his Director of Media, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasized the importance of prioritizing national unity to sustain political stability across the region. “I urge us to embrace this democratic practice, ensuring peaceful transitions become a hallmark of governance, not just in West Africa but across the African continent,” he said.
Highlighting Ghana’s December 7 elections, Tinubu praised the maturity exhibited by candidates, including Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who conceded defeat and congratulated the President-elect, John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), even before the official announcement. Tinubu likened this to Nigeria’s historic 2015 elections, calling it “a demonstration of respect for the people’s will.”
The ECOWAS Chair also commended President Akufo-Addo’s leadership during his tenure, describing him as a true Pan-Africanist. He extended his congratulations to Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayokor Botchwey, on her new role as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, and applauded Senegal for its successful parliamentary elections.
Reflecting on his achievements as ECOWAS Chair, Tinubu outlined progress in regional integration, economic development, and counterterrorism. He pointed to initiatives such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), the West African Gas Pipeline, and advancements in joint border operations as critical to fostering regional cooperation and connectivity.
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Tinubu also highlighted peacekeeping successes in countries like the Gambia and Guinea Bissau and reaffirmed ECOWAS’s commitment to combating terrorism through its Regional Action Plan on the Fight Against Terrorism. He urged member states to remain united in their pursuit of economic integration, security, and improved living standards ahead of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary in 2025.
“As leaders, we must ensure security is not a luxury but a necessity. Likewise, improving the living conditions of our people is not an aspiration but an obligation,” Tinubu asserted.
The session was attended by the Presidents of Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, and Liberia, along with other dignitaries including Sierra Leone’s Vice President and representatives from Benin, Togo, and Cape Verde.
Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, praised Nigeria for its full payment of community levies for 2023 and substantial remittances for 2024, describing it as a testament to Tinubu’s leadership. “For the first time in 19 years, Nigeria has paid 100% of its community levy,” Touray noted, urging other member states to follow suit.
As ECOWAS looks to its next half-century, Tinubu reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to safeguarding citizens’ welfare and fostering prosperity throughout the region.
