ECOWAS Names Osinbajo to Lead Election Mission to Côte d’Ivoire as the West African Country Faces Crucial Test of Democracy

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed Nigeria’s former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to head its election observation mission to Côte d’Ivoire, ahead of the country’s tense presidential election scheduled for October 25.

In a statement released on Sunday, ECOWAS said the mission would be deployed from October 19 to 29, in line with its supplementary protocol on democracy and good governance. Osinbajo is expected to lead a team of distinguished West African figures to engage political actors, electoral bodies, and civil society groups in ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and credible election.

According to ECOWAS, the delegation will work closely with both domestic and international observer teams to monitor the conduct of the polls and assess the level of fairness, inclusivity, and transparency in the process. The mission, the regional bloc emphasised, reflects its “unwavering commitment to promoting peace, stability, and credible elections” across the West African subregion.

Côte d’Ivoire’s upcoming election has drawn global attention, marking a critical moment for the country’s democracy. The West African nation, which has experienced civil unrest and political instability in the past two decades, now stands at a crossroads as President Alassane Ouattara, 83, seeks a controversial fourth term in office. A move that has reignited debates on constitutional limits and democratic succession.

ECOWAS’ intervention could play a vital role in preventing potential electoral violence and restoring trust among Ivorian citizens, many of whom still remember the deadly post-election crisis of 2010–2011 that claimed over 3,000 lives.

President Ouattara will face former minister of trade and MP from the Parti Démocratique de Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), Jean-Louis Billon; Simone Ehivet Gbagbo, former first lady; Ahoua Don Mello; and Henriette Lagou Adjoua in the upcoming presidential elections.

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Chinalurumogu Eze

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