From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has advocated for stronger ties among Election Management Bodies (EMBs), in the West African sub-region.
According to him, working more closely together is key to deepening democratic governance across the region.
Prof. Yakubu made this call on Thursday 10th April 2025 in Banjul, capital of the Republic of Gambia, where he is attending the Extraordinary General Assembly of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC).
One of the significant proposals for consideration at the meeting is the creation of Africa’s first-ever electoral resource-sharing database, an innovative move aimed at boosting collaboration and capacity-building across the continent.
Speaking to his fellow electoral commissioners, Prof. Yakubu, who previously served as president of the ECONEC Steering Committee, expressed gratitude for the support he received during his tenure.
He also took a moment to honour past members of the Network who contributed to strengthening democratic institutions not just in their home countries but across Africa.
Looking back on ECONEC’s 2017 meeting in Sierra Leone, Prof. Yakubu, recalled how he had proudly announced that every country in the sub-region was under democratic rule. Sadly, he observed, that was no longer the case. He regretted that today, four countries in the region are no longer practicing democracy. He was however, optimistic with the hope that democracy would soon return to the affected nations.
He also informed the Assembly that he was attending the ECONEC meeting for the final time as Chairman of INEC, because his tenure ends later this year. He thanked his colleagues and the Network as a whole for their unwavering support and collaboration over the years, urging them to continue upholding the values of electoral integrity and regional unity.
Several EMB heads also added their voices to the call for deeper regional collaboration. In their individual remarks, they applauded ECONEC for its continued technical support to their respective countries and its vital role in sustaining democratic governance across West Africa.
The Extraordinary General Assembly drew together the Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons of the EMBs from the Republic of Benin, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
While in Banjul, Prof. Yakubu is also scheduled to join the current ECONEC President, Mr. Konneh Mohamed Kenewui of Sierra Leone, for a series of visits to key stakeholders, including the government of The Gambia as part of ECONEC’s Needs Assessment Mission ahead of the country’s presidential election in 2026.
