Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Nigeria’s immediate past Vice President, has been appointed to head the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission for Côte d’Ivoire’s upcoming presidential election on 25 October 2025.
The mission will operate from 19 to 29 October under the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. As Head of Mission, Osinbajo will coordinate a team of senior West African officials tasked with engaging national stakeholders, assessing the electoral environment, and working alongside both domestic and international observer groups.
“Our goal is to support a peaceful and credible electoral process,” Osinbajo stated, noting that the team will monitor every stage of the election—from preparations to voting and the counting of ballots.
ECOWAS highlighted that the mission reflects the organisation’s dedication to stability, transparency, and democratic governance in the sub-region. Observers say such deployments are vital for ensuring adherence to democratic standards and boosting public confidence in election outcomes.
The mission’s findings will offer ECOWAS and international partners a detailed understanding of the electoral process, focusing on fairness, inclusivity, and compliance with regulations. Osinbajo’s appointment reinforces the importance of experienced leaders in supporting peaceful transitions and strengthening democratic institutions across West Africa.
