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ECONEC to Use Nigeria’s 2023 Election Review as Benchmark for West Africa

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: August 1, 2025 The ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) says the findings and recommendations from Nigeria’s 2023 general elections will serve as a benchmark for improving electoral processes across the West African subregion. Speaking during a post-election follow-up and needs assessment mission to Nigeria, ECONEC President and Chairperson of Liberia’s National Elections Commission, Mrs. Davidetta Browne-Lansanah, said the recommendations will help guide reforms in individual election management bodies (EMBs) in the region. “We anticipate that during our engagement, we may be able to understand the reasons behind some of the issues that emerged from the 2023 elections and how INEC was able to navigate and find solutions,” she stated during the delegation’s visit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja. Browne-Lansanah emphasized that ECONEC views the Nigerian experience as a learning opportunity for all member states. “We want to understand what happened, learn from your expertise in addressing the challenges, and apply those lessons to strengthen our own electoral systems.” She also expressed gratitude to INEC for its support to Liberia’s electoral commission, noting that Nigeria had provided essential materials and helped set up an ICT facility for her commission. “Through ECONEC’s principles and ideals, Nigeria responded to our needs. This mission is committed to learning,” she said. Responding, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu acknowledged ECOWAS’ role in deploying both short-term and long-term observation missions during Nigeria’s 2023 general elections. He noted that ECOWAS made 37 recommendations following the polls—13 of which were directed at INEC, while 24 were meant for other institutions including the National Assembly, the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). “The commission has reviewed all 13 recommendations requiring administrative action and has already implemented many of them,” Prof. Yakubu said, adding that other recommendations needing legislative changes are under review by the National Assembly. He noted that INEC had incorporated most of the suggestions into its own set of 142 recommendations for electoral reform, which were developed through broad consultations with stakeholders.

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep concern over the growing trend of unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa, warning that such actions threaten the democratic progress and stability the region has painstakingly achieved. Speaking at the official launch of the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee in Accra, Ghana, on Tuesday, Tinubu—represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu—reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles, good governance, and regional unity. He emphasized that the resurgence of military coups, which have gripped parts of the region since 2021, undermines the fundamental values of democracy, rule of law, and peace. Between 2020 and 2024, West and Central Africa witnessed nine coup attempts, with Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger falling under military rule. ECOWAS responded by suspending the affected countries and imposing sanctions in a bid to restore civilian governance, but tensions eventually led to the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the bloc. Despite the strain, President Tinubu used the occasion to advocate for reconciliation and reintegration of the estranged member states. He stressed that this milestone anniversary should be a time to renew unity and shared responsibility. “It is a time to strengthen the bonds that tie us together through shared values, collective responsibility, and a common vision for a prosperous region,” he said. Calling for constructive engagement, Tinubu urged ECOWAS to remain open to dialogue with the junta-led countries while implementing sweeping reforms to enhance the bloc’s credibility and institutional strength. “There is an urgent need to implement bold, comprehensive reforms that will enhance our institutions’ effectiveness, relevance, and credibility to meet the challenges of today and the future,” he concluded.

Tinubu Warns Against Coup Resurgence in West Africa Calls for Reconciliation

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep concern over the growing trend of unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa, warning that such actions threaten the democratic progress and stability the region has painstakingly achieved. Speaking at the official launch of the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee in Accra, Ghana, on Tuesday, Tinubu—represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu—reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles, good governance, and regional unity. He emphasized that the resurgence of military coups, which have gripped parts of the region since 2021, undermines the fundamental values of democracy, rule of law, and peace. Between 2020 and 2024, West and Central Africa witnessed nine coup attempts, with Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger falling under military rule. ECOWAS responded by suspending the affected countries and imposing sanctions in a bid to restore civilian governance, but tensions eventually led to the withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the bloc. Despite the strain, President Tinubu used the occasion to advocate for reconciliation and reintegration of the estranged member states. He stressed that this milestone anniversary should be a time to renew unity and shared responsibility. “It is a time to strengthen the bonds that tie us together through shared values, collective responsibility, and a common vision for a prosperous region,” he said. Calling for constructive engagement, Tinubu urged ECOWAS to remain open to dialogue with the junta-led countries while implementing sweeping reforms to enhance the bloc’s credibility and institutional strength. “There is an urgent need to implement bold, comprehensive reforms that will enhance our institutions’ effectiveness, relevance, and credibility to meet the challenges of today and the future,” he concluded.

ECOWAS Marathon unveils prize money for West African runners

Fola Badmus7 months ago7 months ago04 mins

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has unveiled an exclusive prize money incentive for West African runners participating in the 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon. The announcement was made on Thursday at a press conference by the ECOWAS Commission, the sponsor of the marathon. According to ECOWAS Director of Youth and Sports, Amb. Francis Njoaguani, who also serves as the Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee, the first West African runner to cross the finish line will receive $1,000. The second-place finisher will earn $500, while the third, fourth, and fifth-place runners will receive $400, $250, and $200, respectively. This initiative is aimed at encouraging regional participation and celebrating homegrown talent. Njoaguani emphasized ECOWAS’ long-term vision to elevate the marathon to international prominence. He stated that the goal is to achieve the World Athletics Gold Label status within the next four years, positioning the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon among the most prestigious road races globally. Currently, the marathon stands as the most lucrative half marathon in Africa, offering an impressive prize structure for both men and women. Winners of the 21km race will each take home $10,000, while second and third-place finishers will earn $5,000 and $4,000, respectively. The fourth-place runner will receive $3,500, followed by $3,000 for the fifth, $2,500 for the sixth, $2,000 for the seventh, $1,500 for the eighth, $1,200 for the ninth, and $1,000 for the tenth-place finisher. In the 5km category, the first-place winner will receive $1,000, the second-place finisher $300, the third-place $250, the fourth-place $150, and the fifth-place $100. Njoaguani expressed his delight at the marathon’s rapid growth and increasing popularity. He recalled the challenges faced in its early years but noted that it has since evolved into a highly anticipated sporting event. The 2025 edition, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, is expected to attract over 5000 runners from across the globe. To mark this milestone, ECOWAS is fully sponsoring runners from all member states, both men and women, to participate. Additionally, significant interest has been shown by runners from Ghana, Senegal, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as from other regions beyond Africa, including the United States, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Switzerland. For this edition, some minor adjustments have been made to the race routes. The 21km race will begin and end at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters, ensuring a seamless and well-coordinated course for participants. Meanwhile, the 5km race will start Independence Drive by Sahad Stores and CDB and conclude at the ECOWAS Commission. Beyond its competitive aspect, the marathon serves as a unifying platform for West African nations. Njoaguani highlighted that the marathon is more than just a race, emphasizing that it is a means of fostering regional integration, bringing people together to interact, celebrate fitness, and strengthen the bonds within the community.