At the 66th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged West African leaders to take inspiration from Ghana’s recent peaceful elections as a benchmark for democratic integrity and national unity.
This statement comes amid widespread criticisms of Tinubu’s own electoral and judicial controversies, with allegations of vote-rigging in the 2023 Nigerian elections and the perceived compromise of the judiciary to affirm his presidency.
Tinubu praised Ghana’s outgoing President, Nana Akufo-Addo, for setting a high electoral standard in the region. He commended Ghanaian Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for conceding defeat and congratulating President-elect John Dramani Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) before official results were even announced.
“I urge all of us in the region to learn from this democratic practice and prioritise national unity to ensure political stability. Such peaceful transitions should become a hallmark of democracy across Africa,” Tinubu stated.
The Nigerian President also highlighted ECOWAS achievements under his leadership, including advancements in regional trade, security, and integration. He cited initiatives like the West African Gas Pipeline, border modernization, and the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on Terrorism as key milestones.
As ECOWAS approaches its 50th anniversary, Tinubu called for renewed commitment to its founding ideals, emphasizing economic integration, peace, and improved living standards.
The session was attended by several West African leaders and dignitaries, including the Presidents of Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Senegal. Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, lauded Nigeria for fully meeting its financial commitments for the first time in nearly two decades, a move attributed to Tinubu’s leadership.
While Tinubu’s advocacy for democratic integrity was well-received at the summit, it contrasts sharply with his domestic record, leaving observers questioning the credibility of his call for democratic reforms across the region.
