Former Nigerian Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), has been appointed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to lead its Election Observation Mission for the upcoming presidential election in Côte d’Ivoire.
In a statement released by ECOWAS, the regional body announced that the Ivorian presidential election is scheduled for October 25, 2025, while the observation mission will be deployed between October 19 and 29, 2025. The mission, ECOWAS said, aligns with the provisions of its Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which guides member states in ensuring transparent and credible electoral processes.
“As Head of Mission, Professor Osinbajo will lead a team of distinguished West Africans who will engage with key national stakeholders to promote a peaceful, inclusive, and credible electoral process,” the statement noted. It added that the delegation will also work closely with both international and domestic observer groups to evaluate the overall conduct of the polls.
ECOWAS emphasized that the deployment of this mission reflects its continued dedication to fostering peace, stability, and democratic governance across the West African subregion.
The forthcoming Côte d’Ivoire election holds significant importance, coming at a time when several West African nations are also preparing for crucial national polls. The regional bloc hopes that these elections will strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law, and reinforce public confidence in governance throughout the region.
