2027: I’ll work to bring Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso back to ECOWAS – Atiku

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has promised to work for the return of Niger Republic, Mali and Burkina Faso to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) if he wins the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), also said he would consider using the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) to improve security and fight terrorism across the region.

He made this known during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, where he spoke about his plans for Nigeria and criticised some policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Atiku said ECOWAS made a mistake by isolating Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso after military governments took control of the three countries.

He said the military takeovers should not have ended diplomatic relations and cooperation between the countries and other ECOWAS members.

“I will get the ECOWAS leaders to sit down and deliberate, and we will use ECOMOG troops to ensure peace,” Atiku said.

He also criticised Nigeria’s response to the military takeover in Niger in 2023, when Tinubu was the chairman of ECOWAS.

“I don’t see why Nigeria should say it will not engage with Niger because there was a coup. Niger and Nigeria are one people,” he said.

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso later withdrew from ECOWAS following disagreements with the regional body over its response to the military coups, particularly in Niger.

The three countries subsequently formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Atiku also promised to reduce insecurity in Nigeria within one year if elected president.

He said his administration would increase the number of security personnel, provide them with better equipment and create jobs for young people.

“What I will do is increase the number of security personnel and provide equipment, while giving young people jobs. We believe that within one year, God willing, we will address these problems,” he said.

Nigeria continues to face security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, especially in the northern parts of the country.

Atiku said stronger cooperation among West African countries would be important in tackling insecurity and terrorism across the region.

The ADC candidate also criticised the removal of the petrol subsidy by the Tinubu administration, saying the policy had increased the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.

He said subsidy removal could be necessary but should have been done gradually, with proper measures to protect poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

Atiku added that if elected president, his decision on the subsidy would depend on the state of the economy at the time.