Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, the immediate past Vice President of Nigeria, has been appointed to lead the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Election Observation Mission for the forthcoming presidential election in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, scheduled for 25 October 2025.

The Mission, which will operate from 19 to 29 October, is being deployed in accordance with the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

Professor Osinbajo, as Head of Mission, will coordinate a team of senior West African officials responsible for engaging with key national stakeholders, evaluating the electoral environment, and fostering collaboration with both international and domestic observer groups.

“The objective of our deployment is to support a peaceful and credible electoral process,” Professor Osinbajo said in a statement issued ahead of the mission. He added that the team would monitor all aspects of the election, from pre-election preparations to the voting and counting processes.

ECOWAS officials emphasised that the Mission reflects the organisation’s commitment to promoting stability, transparency, and democratic governance across the sub-region. Analysts note that such missions are central to encouraging adherence to democratic norms and enhancing public confidence in electoral outcomes.

The Mission’s assessment will provide ECOWAS and international partners with insights into the conduct of the polls, with particular attention to fairness, inclusivity, and compliance with electoral regulations.

Professor Osinbajo’s appointment underscores the region’s reliance on experienced statespersons to observe and guide electoral processes, with a view to supporting peaceful transitions of power and reinforcing democratic institutions in West Africa.