The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed Nigeria’s former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to head its Election Observation Mission (EOM) to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire ahead of the country’s presidential election scheduled for October 25, 2025.
According to a statement released by ECOWAS on Sunday, the mission will be deployed from October 19 to 29.
The move aligns with the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which mandates the regional bloc to assist member states in conducting transparent and credible elections.
Osinbajo will lead a delegation of respected West African figures tasked with engaging key national stakeholders.
The mission will interact with political actors, civil society groups, electoral officials, and the media to promote a peaceful, inclusive, and credible electoral process.
The regional body noted that the observer team will work closely with both international and domestic monitoring groups to ensure a coordinated and objective assessment of the elections.
The team’s responsibilities include evaluating the pre-election environment, logistical readiness, voter education, and the general conduct of the polls in line with regional and international democratic standards.
ECOWAS explained that the deployment underscores its commitment to promoting peace, democracy, and political stability across West Africa, especially at a time when several countries in the region face political unrest and democratic setbacks.
“This mission reaffirms ECOWAS’s dedication to supporting member states in upholding democratic values and ensuring credible elections,” the statement said.
The regional bloc has long maintained a strong presence in election monitoring and mediation efforts across West Africa.
Through similar observation missions, ECOWAS has contributed to conflict prevention and democratic consolidation in countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, and Nigeria.
Election observation, the bloc emphasized, remains a key pillar of its strategy to strengthen good governance and prevent electoral crises that could destabilize the region.
As the West African region continues to grapple with military coups and political transitions, ECOWAS said it remains determined to safeguard democratic order through peaceful engagement and credible electoral processes.
Osinbajo’s appointment marks another high-level mission for the Nigerian statesman since leaving office in 2023.
During his tenure as vice president, he was actively involved in regional diplomacy and governance reform initiatives within ECOWAS.
Côte d’Ivoire’s presidential election will serve as a crucial test for the country’s stability and democratic resilience, following political tensions in previous polls.
ECOWAS’s participation is expected to provide reassurance to voters and encourage transparency throughout the process.
The mission’s findings and recommendations will be published after the election to help strengthen democratic institutions and electoral integrity in the subregion