Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) appointed Nigeria’s former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, to head its Election Observation Mission for the presidential election in Côte d’Ivoire this week.

In statement from ECOWAS, the election is scheduled to be held on October 25, 2025, while the observation mission will be deployed from October 19 to 29, 2025, in accordance with the provisions of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

“As Head of Mission, Osinbajo will lead a delegation of eminent West Africans who will engage with key national stakeholders to encourage a peaceful and credible electoral process,” the statement said.

“The team will also collaborate with international and domestic observer groups to assess the conduct of the polls.”

The regional body said the deployment of the mission underscores ECOWAS’ commitment to promoting peace, stability, and credible elections across West Africa.

The Côte d’Ivoire election comes at a critical time for the region, where several member states are preparing for key national polls amid efforts to consolidate democratic governance

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) is urging the Federal Government to urgently review and rationalise the list of individuals granted the prerogative of mercy by President Bola Tinubu, which includes both living and deceased Nigerians.

In a policy brief made available to our editor on Sunday, the CPPE asserted that while the prerogative of mercy is a legitimate constitutional tool, its application to serious economic and financial offences, as well as other criminal acts, requires utmost discretion, transparency, and alignment with Nigeria’s commitments to anti-corruption, drug control, and the sanctity of human life.

Dr Muda Yusuf, Director/CEO of CPPE, expressed concerns about the inclusion of individuals convicted of corruption, financial crimes, murder, drug trafficking, and illegal mining.

He stated, “Extending clemency and pardons to persons convicted of corruption, financial fraud, illegal mining, murder, and drug-related crimes has far-reaching economic and social consequences.”

He highlighted the following issues:

– Illegal Mining: It undermines legitimate enterprises, depletes national revenue, and fuels insecurity in mining communities.

– Corruption and Financial Crimes: These distort markets, weaken institutions, and discourage fair competition.

– Drug Trafficking: This tarnishes Nigeria’s global image, exacerbates insecurity, and imposes significant social costs.

Leniency toward financial and economic crimes erodes deterrence, weakens enforcement, and signals a tolerance for misconduct.

A lenient approach undermines respect for the law and the credibility of governance.

Damage to Investor Confidence

Investor confidence thrives on predictability, fairness, and justice. When individuals convicted of economic or financial crimes are pardoned, it raises concerns about policy consistency, the sanctity of contracts, and investment security, thereby discouraging both domestic and foreign investors.

Reputational and Governance Risks

Excessive clemency could reverse gains in governance credibility and reinforce perceptions of institutional weakness.

Such perceptions can negatively impact sovereign risk ratings, capital inflows, and the overall attractiveness of Nigeria’s investment climate.”

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary activities to an alleged attempted military coup, calling such claims misleading and false.

An online publication had reported that 16 military officers, from Captain to Brigadier General, were detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency over suspected covert meetings to plan a coup against the government.

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) described the report as malicious and intended to create unnecessary tension and distrust among Nigerians.

The DHQ clarified that the cancellation of the Independence Day parade was due to President Bola Tinubu’s attendance at a strategic bilateral meeting abroad, and to allow the military to focus on ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.

The statement further assured the public that the investigation involving the officers is a routine internal process aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the armed forces. An investigative panel has been set up, and its findings will be released once the inquiry concludes.

The DHQ called on Nigerians to support security agencies and disregard misinformation circulated by enemies of the state. It reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ loyalty to the Constitution and the Federal Government under President Tinubu.

“The Federal Government, the legislature, and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development, and well-being of the nation. Democracy is forever,” the statement emphasized.