Politics
ECOWAS Parliament Declares 2023 ‘Elections Year’
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared this year an election year partly because of the general elections coming up in Nigeria this year and similar elections in three other West African countries.
The Speaker of the ECOWAS parliament, Sidie Mohammed Tunis, speaking at the opening of the fifth Legislature of ECOWAS Parliament Extraordinary session in Guinea Bissau said Nigeria is the region’s biggest democracy and that a large chunk of its observer mission will be deployed for the polls.
“This year has been tagged “Elections Year” in the region. In a matter of weeks, our biggest democracy, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will be holding Presidential and Legislative elections. In a few months, the Republics of Sierra Leone and Liberia will do the same. These have been preceded by Legislative elections in the Republic of Benin.
“In conformity with the established framework for election observation, we are working very closely with the ECOWAS Commission to ensure the scrupulous implementation of the provisions of Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, relative to the holding of elections. Our Observers will be available to provide the necessary support to the Joint ECOWAS Mission, in anticipation of free, fair and transparent elections in the various countries,” Tunis said.
The Speaker assured Nigeria that ECOWAS will be fully involved in election observation across the country on the day of election, adding that the parliament was working very closely with the ECOWAS Commission and has signed a memorandum appointing observers who will be in Nigeria for the polls.
Tunis also condemned the killing of innocent souls in Burkina Faso and other parts of the region.
“Let me emphatically condemn the brutal killing of innocent civilians, including children in the west of Burkina Faso and other parts of the region where similar menace exists. No expression of displeasure and no religious loyalty justify the killing of innocent people. It is barbaric, evil and must be condemned by all well-meaning citizens of this region.
“On top of all I have said, is the issue of the economy, the bread and butter issue, 2023 is not going to be a challenging year for our democracies alone but also our economies.
“The IMF predicts that global growth will slow at 2.7%in 2023 and many countries will experience recession. These have been attributed to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the hike in cost of living and economic slowdown in China due to the latest hike in COVID-19 cases.
“This leaves poorer countries, like most of ours, with no option but to act aggressively to heighten monetary policies and build more multilateral cooperation to address our economic volatility.
“It is a fact that economic stagnation would usually influence the finding and implementation of projects, programmes and activities of ECOWAS; we must therefore act within our discretion to draw attention to the need to start economic choices not only in the ECOWAS institutions but in our respective member states,” Tunis added
In his opening remarks, Speaker of the Guinea Bissau National Assembly, Cipriano Cassama urged the Parliament to implement new policies and infrastructures that will speed up development technologies within the West African market.
According to Cassama, “These development plans and major policies in the process of decision taking are placed on the shoulders of parliament.
“Communities should invest more in educational programs in a way of improving the protection of the environment and health sector.”
He thanked the parliament for resolving the internal crisis within the region.
Reacting to the Nigeria election, Edwin Snowe expressed the importance of the Presidential election in West Africa.
He said “Nigeria is the hub of our region and it is seen as the big Brother, not just in elections but many other activities in the region. We believe in democracy. We also look forward to a peaceful election and a result that will be accepted by all the people.”
Former Inspector-General of Police, Mr Usman Alkali Baba, has formally declared his interest in the 2027 Yobe State governorship race under the All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissing reported moves within the party to adopt a consensus arrangement.
He made the declaration on Monday in Abuja after submitting his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, insisting that his ambition remains intact and independent of any internal negotiation or agreement to step down.
“I have submitted my nomination form, and I am contesting because I want to continue and improve on where the present governor will stop,” he said.
His entry into the race comes amid growing political discussions within the APC in Yobe State, where some stakeholders are reportedly favouring a former Secretary to the State Government as a consensus candidate ahead of the party primaries.
However, Mr Alkali Baba said he was not part of any such arrangement and had not committed to supporting any aspirant.
“I have not seen where any consensus has taken place. I have not participated in any consensus meeting, and I have not agreed to support anybody,” he stated.
He anchored his governorship ambition on his background in national security and public service, arguing that insecurity remains one of the most critical challenges affecting governance and development in the state.
According to him, strengthening security would create the foundation for economic growth and stability in Yobe.
“Provision of security is the primary objective of government. I have the capacity to do that,” he said.
Beyond security, the former police chief outlined plans focused on agriculture, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment, noting that Yobe’s economy requires deliberate reforms to unlock its full potential.
“We want to improve education, agriculture, health, and create employment opportunities for young people,” he added. “Without security, you cannot function effectively or carry out meaningful economic activity.”
Mr Alkali Baba said his decision to join the governorship race was driven by personal conviction and a sense of duty to contribute to the state’s development.
“I feel I have the passion, credibility, and capacity to lead Yobe State as governor,” he said.
The Leader of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has called for strict adherence to transparency and due process in the conduct of All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, warning against what he described as “backdoor consensus” arrangements that undermine internal democracy.
Sen. Bamidele made the remarks on Monday in Abuja shortly after submitting his APC Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for the next electoral cycle.
He said while the Electoral Act provides for consensus as a method of candidate selection, such arrangements must be rooted in openness, con-sultation, and compliance with established party procedures.
“Consensus is only valid when it is transparent, inclusive, and in line with the provisions of the law. It cannot be used as a shortcut to bypass democratic participation,” he said.
The Senate Leader, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, explained that the law provides for different modes of primary elections, including direct, indirect, and consensus options, but stressed that none of these exempt aspirants from proper participation at the ward and constituency levels.
He maintained that where consensus fails or becomes controversial, the party must resort to direct primaries to ensure fairness.
“There must be room for everyone who is qualified and interested to participate. Where disagreements arise, the Electoral Act already provides a clear path through direct primaries,” he added.
Sen. Bamidele noted that consensus arrangements have produced mixed results across constituencies, warning that any process perceived as exclusionary could create internal divisions within the party.
He said his own candidacy in Ekiti Central was backed by broad stakeholder support, which he attributed to consistent engagement and performance, adding that no other aspirant had obtained nomination forms in the district.
“Where consensus works, it is because trust has been earned and processes were properly followed. It must never be imposed or manipulated,” he said.
The Senate Leader, however, cautioned against generalising such outcomes, insisting that all aspirants must be given equal opportunity in party contests across the country.
Sen. Bamidele reaffirmed that internal democracy remains critical to the strength of the APC and Nigeria’s democratic system, urging party leaders to uphold fairness in all electoral processes.
“At every level, our processes must be transparent, competitive where necessary, and fully compliant with the law. That is the only way to sustain confidence in our party and democracy,” he said.
He also urged party stakeholders to avoid actions that could erode trust or create unnecessary tension ahead of the elections, stressing that unity within the APC must be built on fairness and adherence to rules.
The Rivers Youth Leaders Assembly has endorsed Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a second term in office.
The Assembly also scored the Governor high for developments in the areas of infrastructure, human capital and healthcare sectors in particular.
The Speaker of the Rivers Youth Leaders Assembly, Prince Tonye Jeminimema, said Governor Fubara deserves the support of Rivers people in view of his excellent performances in all sectors of the state.
Prince Jeminimema said his group rated the Governor high in the areas of infrastructural development, provision of health facilities, human capital development and capacity building for youths in the state.
Prince Jeminimema said this during a courtesy call to his office by The Energy and Maritime Reporters in Port Harcourt.
He said, “The Youths of Rivers State are giving him kudos. We are passing a vote of confidence on the Governor. The Governor will remain in office till 2031
“Youths of Rivers State are solidly behind him. No going back. The entire Rivers youths believe in Governor Siminilaiyi Fubara.
“He is willing to take Rivers State to the next level”.
According to him, “both the youths and the activists in Rivers State, on this day, agreed that Governor Siminilaiyi Fubara will be returned to office for the second term”.
Leader of the delegation and Chairman of the Association, Comrade Martins Giadom, in his speech acknowledged the leadership potentials of Prince Jeminimema, noting that his style of leadership had contributed to the prevailing peace in the state.
Comrade Giadom commended Rivers youths for their peaceful disposition, which he said had led to peace, not only the state, but across the Niger Delta region.
By: Princess Akinyemi & Princess Mmesomachukwu
