By Salihu Abdulhamid

West Africa is undergoing significant political, economic and security changes, with the growing divide between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger—raising questions about the future of regional integration and cooperation. The withdrawal of the three Sahelian countries from ECOWAS has added another layer to existing challenges in a region already affected by violent extremism, political instability, poverty, weak governance and humanitarian crises.

The emergence of the AES reflects the three countries’ desire for greater control over their political and security affairs. Their decision to strengthen defence cooperation and reduce reliance on external partners may reinforce their sense of political autonomy, but it also presents challenges for regional coordination. A major point of disagreement has been political governance. ECOWAS has traditionally defended constitutional democracy and opposed military takeovers.

Following coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, the bloc imposed sanctions and demanded a return to constitutional rule. The military-led governments, however, viewed some of the measures as undue pressure and interference. The resulting tensions have made dialogue more important, not less. ECOWAS faces the challenge of upholding democratic principles while maintaining diplomatic channels with the AES countries.

Security cooperation is another critical concern. Terrorism and violent extremism do not respect national borders, while arms trafficking, displacement and the movement of armed groups can affect neighbouring countries. Intelligence sharing, border management and humanitarian responses therefore require cooperation among states.The economic consequences are equally significant.

ECOWAS has facilitated the movement of people, goods and services across West Africa, supporting millions of livelihoods. Political disagreements that disrupt cross-border trade can consequently affect ordinary citizens.The current crisis also provides an opportunity to rethink regional integration. Cooperation should deliver tangible benefits in security, employment, trade, education and freedom of movement.

A sustainable regional security strategy must also address the underlying drivers of instability, including poverty, unemployment, weak institutions, political exclusion and inadequate public services. Military responses alone are unlikely to provide lasting solutions.

The ECOWAS–AES divide should not become a permanent fracture in West Africa. Despite political differences, the region remains connected by geography, history, trade, communities and shared security challenges.

Rebuilding trust will require sustained dialogue, diplomacy and practical cooperation where common interests exist. West Africa’s security and development challenges ultimately require regional solutions.

Salihu Abdulhamid holds a BSc in International Relations from Bayero University Kano and is a Corps Member serving with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Abuja. He can be reached at salihuabdulhamid11@yahoo.com

By Francis Wilfred

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to avoid ethnic, religious and other divisive sentiments as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Tinubu made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during the signing of the Peace Accord ahead of the 2027 presidential election. He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

According to a statement by Yomi Odunuga, the President said political competition was a legitimate part of democracy but should not undermine national unity or social cohesion. He urged political actors to focus their campaigns on ideas, policies and programmes capable of improving the lives of Nigerians and advancing national development.

Tinubu also reaffirmed his commitment, and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to the Peace Accord, saying the party would conduct its campaigns peacefully and transparently. He condemned violence, hate speech, misinformation and incitement, including the misuse of artificial intelligence and social media to manipulate public opinion or heighten tensions.

The President commended the National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, for its role in promoting peaceful elections.He expressed confidence that adherence to the accord would support peaceful campaigns, credible elections and continued democratic progress.

By Jabiru Hassan

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to transforming Nigeria’s electricity sector and addressing infrastructure constraints limiting the country’s economic growth, Minister of Power Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe has said.

Tegbe stated this during the commissioning of a 100MVA, 132/33kV power transformer at the Alausa 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Lagos. The minister said the Federal Government was strengthening transmission infrastructure nationwide to improve electricity supply and support economic development.

According to him, the administration is implementing measures to improve the reliability of the transmission network and increase the capacity of substations where necessary. “Where transmission infrastructure is constraining available power, we would strengthen transmission; where substations require additional capacity, we would expand them; and where ageing equipment threatens reliability, we would rehabilitate or replace them,” Tegbe said. The minister said the measures were aimed at unlocking economic activities and improving electricity delivery across the country.

Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Engr. Sule Abdulaziz, described the project as part of efforts by the Federal Government and TCN to expand and strengthen Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure. Abdulaziz thanked President Tinubu, the Ministry of Power, the World Bank, the Lagos State Government, contractors and other stakeholders for their support in delivering the project.