Former Nigerian Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), has been appointed to lead the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission for the upcoming presidential election in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025.

The regional mission, which will be active from October 19 to 29, is being deployed under the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

As Head of Mission, Osinbajo will oversee a team of senior West African officials tasked with engaging key national stakeholders, assessing the electoral environment, and coordinating with both international and domestic observer groups.

“The objective of our deployment is to support a peaceful and credible electoral process,” Osinbajo said in a statement ahead of the mission. He added that the team would monitor every phase of the election — from pre-election activities to voting and results collation.

ECOWAS officials said the mission reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to stability, transparency, and democratic governance in the region.

Analysts note that such observation missions play a vital role in encouraging adherence to democratic norms and strengthening public confidence in electoral outcomes.

The mission’s final assessment will offer ECOWAS and its international partners insights into the overall conduct of the polls, focusing on fairness, inclusivity, and compliance with electoral laws.

Osinbajo’s appointment, officials said, highlights the regional body’s trust in experienced statesmen to help safeguard democratic transitions and reinforce electoral integrity across West Africa.