Former Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has arrived in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to lead the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission ahead of the country’s October 25 presidential election.
According to a statement issued by ECOWAS on Tuesday, the deployment underscores the regional bloc’s commitment to democracy, peace, and stability across West Africa, in line with the 2001 Additional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
Osinbajo, who served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 2015 to 2023, heads a 187-member ECOWAS team comprising 150 short-term observers, 22 youth observers, and 15 long-term experts monitoring pre-election, election-day, and post-election developments.
He is supported by Baboucarr Blaise Ismaïla Jagne, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Gambia, and Mahamat Saleh Annadif, former Foreign Minister of Chad. In addition, 66 African Union observers have joined the mission.
Upon arrival, Osinbajo was received by Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, and Fanta Cissé, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire.
Speaking shortly after his arrival, Osinbajo expressed optimism that the Ivorian election would be peaceful, credible, and transparent, conducted in accordance with international standards.
“It is an honour to lead this mission to such a peaceful and welcoming country. We are hopeful that the process will strengthen democracy in Côte d’Ivoire and set an example for the region,” Osinbajo said.
The presidential election, set for October 25, 2025, will see President Alassane Ouattara, 83, seeking a fourth term in office, in what is expected to be one of West Africa’s most closely watched elections.
