Kehinde Fajobi
President Bola Tinubu, speaking at the 66th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS in Abuja on Sunday, called on West African leaders to draw inspiration from Ghana’s recent peaceful elections. He highlighted them as a model of democratic maturity and national unity.
Tinubu commended President Nana Akufo-Addo and the people of Ghana for their successful presidential and parliamentary elections. He said the elections set a high bar for the region.
He emphasized that Ghana’s peaceful transition should be the standard for democracy in West Africa and across the African continent.
“I urge all of us in the region to learn from this good democratic practice and prioritise our country’s national unity to ensure political stability of the region so that this manner of peaceful transition becomes the culture of democracy not only in West Africa but also in the entire Africa continent,” Tinubu stated.
He praised the political maturity shown by Ghana’s Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia, who conceded defeat and congratulated President-elect John Dramani Mahama before the official results were announced.
Tinubu likened this gesture to Nigeria’s own 2015 election, underscoring respect for the people’s will.
Tinubu also lauded Ghana’s President Akufo-Addo for his exemplary leadership and commitment to ECOWAS.
He congratulated Senegal on its successful parliamentary elections and praised Ghana’s Foreign Minister Shirley Ayokor Botchwey for her leadership role in the ECOWAS Ministerial Committee on Reform.
Tinubu reflected on the achievements of his first term as ECOWAS Chair. These included advances in regional integration, trade, infrastructure, and counterterrorism efforts.
He noted that projects like the West African Gas Pipeline and the West Africa Power Pool have enhanced regional connectivity.
“Similarly, regional infrastructure projects such as the West African Gas Pipeline, the West Africa Power Pool, and modernising key border posts with advanced equipment and joint border operations utilising state-of-the-art technology have significantly enhanced connectivity and promoted greater regional integration,” he added.
The President reiterated that regional peace and security efforts, like the ECOWAS peacekeeping missions in The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, have demonstrated the bloc’s capacity to take decisive action.
As ECOWAS approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, Tinubu urged member states to recommit to the founding ideals of peace, prosperity, and economic integration.
“As leaders, we know that security is not a luxury but a necessity. Enhancing the living standards of our people is not an aspiration but an obligation,” he stated.
Tinubu’s leadership in ECOWAS was further highlighted when Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, praised Nigeria for paying 100% of its community levy for 2023 and significant contributions for 2024.
This, according to Touray, reflects Nigeria’s leadership under Tinubu and boosts confidence in the ECOWAS leadership.
“For the first time in 19 years, Nigeria has paid 100% of its community levy from 2023,” Touray said. He urged other member states to meet their financial obligations diligently.