Tinubu Challenges ECOWAS Leaders: Follow Ghana’s Lead in Democratic Excellence

By Achimi Muktar

At the 66th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS in Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called on West African leaders to emulate Ghana’s exemplary democratic process, which he said has set a standard for unity, political stability, and peaceful transitions in the region.

Speaking during the summit’s opening on Sunday, Tinubu hailed Ghana’s peaceful and transparent elections held on December 7, 2024, describing it as a milestone in democratic maturity for the region.

"A Model for West Africa"

“Despite the challenges of interrupted democratic governance in some West African countries, the region continues to record democratic gains,” Tinubu remarked. Highlighting Ghana’s recent elections as a benchmark, he lauded the country for upholding democratic values despite mounting pressures.

“One of the leading candidates, who happens to be the incumbent Vice President, His Excellency Mahamudu Bawumia, alongside the leadership of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), conceded defeat and congratulated the President-elect, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), even before the official announcement of the results,” Tinubu said.

The gesture, Tinubu emphasized, underscores the importance of prioritizing national unity over personal ambition, a practice he urged all African leaders to adopt.

A Call for Unity and Stability

The president stressed that peaceful transitions should become the hallmark of democracy in West Africa and the broader African continent.

“I urge all of us in the region to learn from this good democratic practice and prioritize our country’s national unity to ensure the political stability of the region,” he said.

International Praise for Ghana

Ghana’s recent elections have drawn widespread praise from international observers, including ECOWAS delegations, for their peaceful conduct and transparency.

Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, also commended Ghana, noting that the country had adopted best practices from Nigeria’s electoral processes while showcasing remarkable democratic maturity.

“Ghana’s elections remind us that peaceful power transitions are achievable, even amidst political rivalry,” Yakubu said.

ECOWAS at a Crossroads

Tinubu’s remarks come at a time when ECOWAS faces challenges in dealing with political instability in several member states. Recent coups in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have disrupted democratic governance in the region, prompting ECOWAS to impose sanctions and seek diplomatic resolutions.

By spotlighting Ghana’s democratic success, Tinubu set a hopeful tone for the summit, urging member states to recommit to fostering democratic values and strengthening regional unity.

As West Africa navigates a complex political landscape, Tinubu’s call to action underscores the potential for democracy to thrive, even in challenging times, when leaders prioritize their nations’ stability and progress over personal ambition.