President Bola Tinubu has urged West African leaders to draw inspiration from Ghana’s recent peaceful elections as a model of democratic 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 of Ghana for conducting presidential and parliamentary elections that set a high standard for the region.
“I urge all of us in the region to learn from this good democratic practice and prioritize national unity to ensure political stability. This peaceful transition must become the culture of democracy not only in West Africa but across the African continent,” President Tinubu stated.
Reflecting on Ghana’s elections, he praised Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for conceding defeat and congratulating President-elect John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) even before the official announcement of results.
“This gesture, as we experienced in Nigeria in 2015, demonstrates political maturity and respect for the will of the people,” Tinubu noted.
President Tinubu also applauded President Akufo-Addo for his exceptional leadership during his tenure as an ECOWAS leader, describing him as a “formidable Pan-Africanist.” He congratulated the Government of Senegal for successful parliamentary elections and commended Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayokor Botchwey, on her new role as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
Highlighting achievements in his first term as ECOWAS Chair, President Tinubu underscored progress in regional integration, conflict resolution, economic cooperation, and counterterrorism. He pointed to advancements in the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), Common External Tariff (CET), and key infrastructure projects, including the West African Gas Pipeline and the West Africa Power Pool.
“Our efforts to stabilize the region through peacekeeping missions in The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau and previous operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone reflect our capacity to act decisively,” Tinubu added.
He further emphasized the importance of the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on Terrorism in providing a framework to combat violent extremism and ensure security.
As ECOWAS approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, President Tinubu called on member states to recommit to the bloc’s founding ideals of economic integration, peace, and prosperity.
“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 said.
The session was attended by the Presidents of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, and Senegal, as well as other high-level representatives.
Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, commended Nigeria for its financial commitment under President Tinubu’s leadership, announcing that the country had paid 100% of its community levy in in 2023 and made substantial remittances for 2024.
