Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has pledged to pursue the reintegration of Niger Republic, Mali and Burkina Faso into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) if elected president in 2027.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the commitment while outlining his plans for Nigeria’s foreign policy and regional security during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service.
The former vice president argued that Nigeria and other ECOWAS members should reconsider their approach to the three Sahel countries, which withdrew from the regional bloc following military takeovers in their respective countries.
Atiku said diplomatic engagement would be necessary to rebuild trust between ECOWAS and the three nations.
“I will ensure that there is understanding and that Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali return to ECOWAS,” he said.
He also suggested that the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) could play a role in strengthening regional security and combating terrorism.
According to Atiku, isolating the three countries would not serve Nigeria’s long-term interests, particularly given the close historical, cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and its neighbours.
The pledge is significant because the withdrawal of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso has deepened divisions within West Africa and weakened the regional bloc’s efforts to coordinate responses to security and political challenges.
The three countries formally announced their intention to leave ECOWAS in January 2024 after prolonged disagreements with the organisation over military rule and sanctions. They subsequently established the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) as a separate regional grouping.
Atiku’s proposal comes as political parties intensify preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election. His foreign-policy position contrasts with the approach taken during President Bola Tinubu’s tenure, particularly during the crisis that followed the 2023 military coup in Niger.
Beyond regional diplomacy, Atiku has also promised to tackle insecurity in Nigeria within one year if elected, pledging increased recruitment and improved equipment for security agencies.
The 2027 election is expected to feature intense debate over Nigeria’s economy, security and foreign relations, making Atiku’s proposed approach to ECOWAS and the Sahel an important part of his campaign agenda.
