The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed former Nigerian Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to lead its Election Observation Mission for the upcoming presidential election in Côte d’Ivoire. According to a statement released by ECOWAS, the election is scheduled to take place on October 25, 2025, while the observation mission will be deployed between October 19 and 29, 2025, in line with the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

As Head of Mission, Osinbajo will lead a team of respected West African figures to engage with political stakeholders, electoral bodies, and civil society organizations in Côte d’Ivoire. The group will work to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible election process, while also collaborating with international and domestic observer missions to evaluate the conduct of the polls.

The regional organization emphasized that the mission demonstrates ECOWAS’ ongoing commitment to promoting democratic values, peace, and political stability in West Africa. The delegation will also monitor compliance with democratic standards before, during, and after the elections.

This assignment comes at a crucial time for West Africa, as several countries in the region prepare for significant elections amid heightened political tension and transitions. Côte d’Ivoire’s upcoming poll is viewed as a key test for the region’s electoral integrity and stability.

Osinbajo’s appointment has been met with positive reactions across the continent, with many describing it as a reflection of his experience in governance, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. His leadership of the ECOWAS mission is expected to strengthen confidence in the regional body’s commitment to credible democratic processes across member states.