Politics

ECOWAS exit: Nigerian Foreign Minister, Tuggar assures of Sahel States’ return

Published

11 months ago

May 31, 2025

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, says he is hopeful that the three Sahel countries, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, which recently withdrew from ECOWAS, would soon return to the bloc.

The minister of the assurance when he received the ECOWAS Parliament’s Speaker Memounatou Ibrahima, who led a delegation from the parliament on a courtesy visit to him on Friday in Abuja.

Ekwutosblog reports that the visit was part of the parliament’s efforts to strengthen intergovernmental relations and governance ahead of its 25th anniversary later in November.

“We will continue to work hard towards the success of ECOWAS and all member states, including the three recently withdrawn ones, we are encouraging them to come back.

“As we keep saying, we have not closed the door on their return, we are confident that they will return because they are part and parcel of the region, it is just a matter of time,” he said.

The minister stated that although the three countries exited ECOWAS, Nigeria and other member countries would continue relating with them as neighbours and work together in certain areas for mutual benefits.

He called on the West African media to de-emphasise the issues of their unfortunate exit and instead focus attention on the subregion’s economic development.

Tuggar also advised the media and other West African stakeholders to highlight the prevailing positive developmental projects in the remaining twelve member states.

Tuggar listed such projects to include the West African Power Pool, ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation scheme, Abidjan- Lagos Corridor, Abidjan –Dakar Corridor, among others, that would enhance regional development.

According to him, the ECOWAS Parliament is an embodiment of the representation of the citizens of member states with demonstrated commitment toward constitutional and democratic governance.

Ekwutosblog reports that the trio country officially exited ECOWAS on 29th January, 2025.

Speaking earlier, Ibrahima told the minister that the delegation visited him to update him on the activities of the parliament over the last one and half years, as well as its future activities.

She revealed that the parliament, which was established in 2000, was preparing for its 25th Anniversary as a regional legislature.

“We are working on how we can have some capability and enhancement so that we can have more legislative role in the ECOWAS Community.

“We are looking at how we can support ECOWAS in all their programmes and activities,” she said.

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Politics

David Mark Holds Secret Meeting With PRP Leaders as ADC Crisis Deepens

Published

6 days ago

April 12, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The embattled National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, on Friday held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Peoples Redemption Party in Abuja. The private consultation is seen as a fresh round of political moves as the ADC continues to battle a lingering leadership crisis and growing internal divisions.

Top figures from both parties were said to be present at the meeting, including PRP National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and senior ADC officials. The development is already drawing attention as opposition parties continue realignments ahead of the 2027 political season, with many watching closely for possible alliances and next steps in the party crisis.

Politics

“ADC is a Holy Party, Cannot be used to Scam Nigerians Again” – Hon Success Opara tells David Mark

Published

7 days ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

ADC Party in Turmoil: Hon Success Opara Slams Leadership, Warns Against Scamming Nigerians

Abuja, Nigeria – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing internal strife as Hon Success Opara, a prominent party official, has warned against attempts to use the party to deceive Nigerians. Opara specifically criticized the leadership of David Mark, stating that the party cannot be used to scam citizens again.

“ADC holy Party cannot be used to scam Nigerians again,” Opara said, emphasizing that those forming coalitions are hindering the party’s growth and denying youths opportunities to thrive.

“Those who are forming coalition don’t want to give the youths the chance to strive in the party,” she added.

Opara’s statement highlights the deepening divisions within the ADC, with concerns over leadership and the party’s direction.

Politics

2027: Bala declares aspirants over 55 years disqualified in ADC

Published

7 days ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has announced that the party under his leadership will bar individuals above the age of 55 from contesting for political positions.

Gombe made the disclosure during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he outlined a vision centred on generational change and greater youth participation in politics.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a party that belongs to all Nigerians. What we are doing now is to ensure the party moves forward properly.

“We have decided that we will give the youths a real chance. The time has come for young people to take the lead in politics.

“If you are over 55 years old, you are not going to contest for positions in the ADC under our leadership.

“We want to bring in fresh blood, new ideas, and energy from the youth. Nigeria’s future depends on the young generation.

“The old ways have not worked well for the country. We need to open the door wide for youths to participate fully as candidates, leaders, and decision-makers,” he said.