Tinubu Advocates Democratic Maturity in West Africa, Cites Ghana, Senegal as Models
Abuja–
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has called on West African leaders to draw inspiration from Ghana’s peaceful and exemplary elections, as well as Senegal, emphasizing their significance as a testament to democratic maturity and national unity in the region.
Speaking at the opening of the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja on Sunday, President Tinubu commended Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo and the Ghanaian people for their seamless presidential and parliamentary elections on December 7, 2024.
This was made known in a press release made available to the media by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategies.
“According to the release, Tinubu said “Ghana’s recent election sets an exemplary democratic standard. I urge all member states to adopt this model, prioritizing national unity to foster political stability in West Africa and across the African continent,”
He highlighted the political maturity displayed by Ghana’s leadership, particularly the concession of defeat by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who congratulated President-elect John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) even before the official results were announced.
“This noble gesture mirrors Nigeria’s historic 2015 transition, reinforcing respect for the people’s will and the integrity of the democratic process,” he added.
Recognizing Regional Progress
President Tinubu also extended similar praise to Senegal for its successful parliamentary elections and applauded Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayokor Botchwey, for her pivotal role in leading the ECOWAS Ministerial Committee of the Reform. He also congratulated her on her new appointment as Secretary General of the Commonwealth.
Reflecting on his tenure as ECOWAS Chair, Tinubu highlighted achievements in regional integration, economic cooperation, and security initiatives.
“Our regional projects, such as the West African Gas Pipeline, the West Africa Power Pool, and advancements in border infrastructure, have significantly enhanced connectivity and integration,” he said.
The President noted that peacekeeping missions in The Gambia and Guinea Bissau, as well as previous operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone, underscore ECOWAS’s commitment to regional stability.
He also emphasized the effectiveness of the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on Terrorism, which provides a robust framework for combating violent extremism.
Reaffirming ECOWAS’s Vision
With ECOWAS nearing its 50th anniversary in 2025, President Tinubu urged member states to renew their commitment to the bloc’s founding principles of economic integration, peace, and prosperity.
“Security is a necessity, not a luxury. Similarly, improving living standards is an obligation for us as leaders. Together, we must create an environment where our citizens can thrive,” Tinubu stressed.
Nigeria’s Leadership in ECOWAS
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, commended Nigeria for its full payment of the 2023 community levy and substantial contributions for 2024. This marks the first time in 19 years that Nigeria has fully met its financial obligations.
“On Friday, December 13, 2024, Nigeria paid N85 billion and $54 million, representing 100% of the 2023 levy and its 2024 commitment through July,” Dr. Touray announced.
This payment, he noted, underscores Nigeria’s leadership and President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to ECOWAS.
Dr. Touray encouraged other member states to follow Nigeria’s example by fulfilling their financial commitments to the bloc.
