Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has promised 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 pledge during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, where he outlined his plans for Nigeria’s foreign policy, security and regional cooperation.
He argued that ECOWAS adopted the wrong approach by isolating the three Sahelian countries after military coups brought their current governments to power.
According to him, Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states should prioritise dialogue and diplomacy rather than allowing political differences to permanently damage relations with the three countries.
Atiku said he would engage other ECOWAS leaders in discussions aimed at rebuilding trust and creating conditions for Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso to rejoin the regional bloc.
He also proposed the possible use of the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) to strengthen regional security and support efforts to combat terrorism across West Africa.
The former vice president criticised Nigeria’s handling of relations with Niger following the 2023 military coup, arguing that the longstanding historical, cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and Niger should not be undermined by political developments.
“I don’t see why Nigeria should say it will not engage with Niger because there was a coup,” Atiku said, stressing the close relationship between the two countries.
Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso officially withdrew from ECOWAS on January 29, 2025, after prolonged disagreements with the regional bloc over military rule and its response to the coups. The three countries subsequently strengthened their cooperation through the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Atiku’s proposal would therefore represent a significant shift in Nigeria’s approach to relations with the three Sahel nations if he wins the 2027 presidential election.
He also promised to tackle Nigeria’s insecurity within his first year in office, saying his administration would increase security personnel, improve their equipment and create more employment opportunities for young people.
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