Tinubu Urges West Africa to Emulate Ghana’s Peaceful Elections

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on West African leaders to draw lessons from Ghana’s recent peaceful presidential and parliamentary elections as a model of political maturity and unity. Speaking at the opening of the 66th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS in Abuja, President Tinubu commended Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo and the people for demonstrating a high standard of democracy during the December 7, 2024 elections.

Highlighting the concession by incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia to President-elect John Dramani Mahama before official results were announced, Tinubu said:

“This gesture, as it happened in Nigeria in 2015, demonstrates political maturity and respect for the will of the people of Ghana.”

He emphasized the importance of prioritizing national unity for political stability and called for such peaceful transitions to become the democratic standard across Africa.

ECOWAS Achievements and Challenges

In his address, Tinubu outlined progress made under his leadership during his first term as ECOWAS Chair. He cited key achievements in regional integration, economic growth, conflict resolution, and counterterrorism efforts. Notable initiatives included:

• ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and Common External Tariff (CET) to boost economic cooperation.
• Infrastructure projects like the West African Gas Pipeline and West Africa Power Pool, improving connectivity across the region.
• Peacekeeping missions in The Gambia and Guinea Bissau, demonstrating ECOWAS’ capability to address regional instability.
• Adoption of the Regional Action Plan on the Fight Against Terrorism, enhancing security frameworks.

Calls for Commitment to Founding Ideals

As ECOWAS nears its 50th anniversary in 2025, President Tinubu urged member states to recommit to the bloc’s core values of economic integration, peace, and prosperity:

“Security is not a luxury but a necessity. Enhancing the living standards of our people is not an aspiration but an obligation.”

Tinubu also praised Senegal, acknowledging their successful parliamentary elections, and commended Ghana’s Shirley Ayokor Botchwey for her work on the ECOWAS Ministerial Committee of Reform and her new role as Secretary General of the Commonwealth.

Nigeria’s Leadership in ECOWAS

Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, recognized Nigeria’s pivotal role, including the recent full payment of its 2023 community levy and part of 2024’s levy, amounting to ₦85 billion and $54 million. Touray described this as a milestone, noting it was the first time in 19 years that Nigeria met its obligations in full.

“This underscores the leadership and commitment of President Tinubu and the people of Nigeria to the ECOWAS community,” Dr. Touray said, encouraging other member-states to follow suit.

Attendance

The summit drew participation from leaders and representatives of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Cape Verde, among others.

The discussions emphasized strengthening regional unity, democratic practices, and security, reaffirming ECOWAS’ commitment to fostering prosperity across West Africa.