The Nigerian presidential election, held in 2023, was one of the most hotly contested and widely watched in the history of the country. The frontrunner and eventual winner was Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a veteran politician and former governor of Lagos State. However, despite his victory, some leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) refused to congratulate him on his win.
ECOWAS is a regional bloc made up of 15 West African countries, including Nigeria. The organization was formed to promote economic cooperation and integration among member states, and to promote peace, stability, and security in the region. In recent years, ECOWAS has played an active role in mediating political crises in member states, and has often been vocal in its support for democratic norms and practices.
Given ECOWAS’s commitment to democratic governance, it is not surprising that some of its leaders would be hesitant to congratulate Tinubu on his victory. There were a number of reasons why some ECOWAS leaders might have been wary of endorsing Tinubu as Nigeria’s president-elect.
One factor may have been concerns about the transparency and fairness of the election itself. Nigeria has a long history of electoral irregularities, including voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and vote rigging. While there were no major incidents reported during the 2023 election, some international observers noted that the process was marred by logistical challenges and other issues. Some ECOWAS leaders may have been hesitant to offer their congratulations until they were more certain that the election had been conducted in a free and fair manner.
Another potential factor is Tinubu’s own record as a politician. While he is widely respected as a skilled and savvy operator, some critics have accused him of being authoritarian and corrupt. During his time as governor of Lagos State, Tinubu was known for his heavy-handed tactics, including the use of state security forces to crack down on political opponents. Some ECOWAS leaders may have been hesitant to endorse a candidate with such a record, given their commitment to democratic norms and human rights.
Finally, there may have been broader geopolitical considerations at play. Nigeria is one of the most important countries in West Africa, and its stability and prosperity are crucial to the region as a whole. Some ECOWAS leaders may have been concerned about the implications of a Tinubu presidency for regional stability, particularly given his close ties to the United States and other Western powers. There may also have been concerns about how Tinubu would handle relations with other African nations, particularly those with whom Nigeria has had historically fraught relationships.
In conclusion, there were a number of factors that likely contributed to some ECOWAS leaders’ decision not to congratulate Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory in the 2023 Nigerian presidential election. While Tinubu’s win was a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic history, it is clear that there are still many challenges facing the country as it seeks to consolidate its democratic gains and promote stability and prosperity in the region. As such, it is important that all actors, including ECOWAS, remain vigilant and engaged in the process of building a more democratic, prosperous, and peaceful West Africa.
