2027: Atiku Abubakar pledges to reintegrate Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso into ECOWAS

Former Nigerian Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has made a significant pledge regarding West Africa's regional stability, vowing to work towards the reintegration of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) should he be elected president in 2027.

Abubakar, who is the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), articulated this commitment in response to the recent political turmoil and subsequent suspensions of these three nations from the regional bloc. The countries faced sanctions and suspension after military coups disrupted their constitutional order.

Beyond advocating for their return to ECOWAS, Abubakar also indicated that his administration would consider the deployment of ECOWAS forces. This suggests a potential shift in Nigeria's approach to regional security and diplomacy, emphasizing a more proactive role in resolving internal crises within member states.

His pledge directly addresses the ongoing challenges within ECOWAS, aiming to mend divisions and restore unity among member nations. The commitment reflects a desire to re-establish the bloc's influence and collective security framework, which has been tested by recent political upheavals in the Sahel region.