President Bola Tinubu has urged West African leaders to draw inspiration from Ghana’s recent peaceful elections as a demonstration of democratic maturity and a commitment to national unity.
Speaking at the opening of the 66th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS on Sunday in Abuja, Tinubu commended President Nana Akufo-Addo and the people of Ghana for their successful presidential and parliamentary elections, which he said set a high standard for the region.
“I urge all of us in the region to learn from this good democratic practice and prioritise our countries’ national unity to ensure political stability in the region so that this manner of peaceful transition becomes the culture of democracy not only in West Africa but also across the African continent,” Tinubu stated.
Despite challenges of interrupted democratic governance in some West African nations, Tinubu highlighted democratic gains, including Ghana’s December 7, 2024, elections.
He praised Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for conceding defeat and congratulating President-elect John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) before the official announcement of results.
“This gesture, as it happened in Nigeria in 2015, demonstrates political maturity and respect for the will of the people of Ghana,” Tinubu said.
He also lauded Akufo-Addo for his leadership and commitment to ECOWAS, describing him as a formidable Pan-Africanist.
Tinubu congratulated Senegal for its successful parliamentary elections and commended Ghana’s Foreign Minister Shirley Ayokor Botchwey for her leadership in ECOWAS reforms, wishing her success in her new role as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
Reflecting on his tenure as ECOWAS Chair, Tinubu highlighted achievements in regional integration, economic growth, conflict resolution, and counterterrorism. He praised initiatives such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), the Common External Tariff (CET), and regional infrastructure projects like the West African Gas Pipeline and the West Africa Power Pool for enhancing connectivity and promoting integration.
Tinubu also noted peacekeeping successes in the Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, and Sierra Leone and the implementation of the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on the Fight Against Terrorism.
As ECOWAS approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, Tinubu called on member states to recommit to the bloc’s founding ideals 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 asserted.
The session was attended by leaders from Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, and Senegal, and representatives from Sierra Leone, Benin Republic, Togo, and Cape Verde.
Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, commended Nigeria for its financial commitment, announcing that for the first time in 19 years, Nigeria paid 100% of its community levy for 2023 and substantial remittances for 2024.
“Nigeria has paid N85 billion and $54 million, representing 100% of the 2023 levy and the 2024 levy up to July. This underscores the leadership and commitment of President Tinubu, the government, and the people of Nigeria to our community,” Touray said.
He urged other member states to meet their financial obligations diligently.
