Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to work towards bringing Niger Republic, Mali and Burkina Faso back into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) if elected president in 2027.
Atiku made the promise during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, where he outlined his plans for regional security and criticised some policies of the Bola Tinubu administration.
He said ECOWAS made a mistake by isolating the three Sahel countries after military coups brought juntas to power, arguing that dialogue and regional cooperation would be more effective.
“I will ensure that there is understanding and that Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali return to ECOWAS.”
Atiku also said his administration could consider deploying the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) to support regional peace efforts and combat terrorism.
He argued that Nigeria should maintain strong relations with Niger despite the military takeover, stressing the close ties between the two countries.
Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso left ECOWAS after the regional body threatened military intervention in Niger following the 2023 coup and demanded the restoration of constitutional rule. The three countries later established the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to deepen their political and security cooperation.
On Nigeria’s security challenges, Atiku promised to tackle insecurity within one year if elected. He said his administration would increase the number of security personnel, provide better equipment and create jobs for young Nigerians.
“We believe that within one year, God willing, we will address these problems.”
Atiku also criticised the removal of petrol subsidy, blaming the policy for worsening poverty and economic hardship. While acknowledging that subsidy reform may be necessary, he said it should be gradual and accompanied by measures to protect vulnerable Nigerians.
“Even if you are going to remove the fuel subsidy, you cannot do it at once. You must first improve the lives of the poor before you start removing it gradually.”
The Tinubu administration removed the petrol subsidy on May 29, 2023, a decision that triggered a sharp rise in fuel prices, transportation costs and other living expenses. The Federal Government has maintained that removing the subsidy would free resources for development and social programmes.
Atiku, 79, is seeking the Nigerian presidency again in 2027 after previous presidential contests in 2007, 2019 and 2023. He served as Vice-President under former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007.
With President Tinubu also seeking a second term, the 2027 election is expected to produce another major contest for the presidency.
Source: BBC Hausa Service.
