By Charles Pemu 
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has been appointed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to head its Election Observation Mission for the upcoming presidential election in Côte d’Ivoire.
The election is officially scheduled for October 25, 2025. In accordance with the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, the Observation Mission led by Osinbajo will be deployed from October 19 to October 29, 2025.
As the Head of Mission, Osinbajo is tasked with leading a delegation of prominent West Africans. Their primary role will be to engage with key national stakeholders in Côte d’Ivoire, encouraging a peaceful and credible electoral process. Additionally, the mission team will work collaboratively with both international and domestic observer groups to thoroughly assess the conduct of the polls.
This deployment underscores the regional body’s commitment to fostering peace, stability, and credible elections throughout West Africa. The Côte d’Ivoire poll is considered crucial, as it occurs at a critical time for the region, with several member states preparing for their own national elections amidst concerted efforts to consolidate democratic governance.