Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Experts on a visit to the six geo political zones in Nigeria for Pre-election fact finding, met with women groups, youth focus groups and stakeholders in Lagos to deliberate on the barriers to a peaceful election in Nigeria as well as way forward to achieve a free, fair and credible election in the upcoming 2023 general elections.

The conversation likewise centered in the need for more women participation in politics and governance and strategies to adopt in ensuring maximum inclusion of women in politics.

The meeting was facilitated by Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), a women-focus Non-governmental organization which ensured all major groups that has influence directly with women and youth are well represented.

In an interview with Dr. Aderemi Ajibewa, the Director of Political Affairs of ECOWAS he said “We are here on a fact finding mission towards Nigeria election, Ecowas is mandated through the supplimentary protocol to visit every member states that are having election, and Nigeria is a member state of ECOWAS and we are here to meet all the stakeholders. We are going to the six geographical zone, we have been to the F.C.T, interviewed the Inspector general of police, the media, the INEC, Political parties and all concerned stakeholders”

The team consists of Dr. Kwado Afari Former President of the EC, Ghana- Head of Mission, Mr. Muhammad K. Konneh Chairman man EC, Sierra Leone, Hon. Mrs. Davidetta Brown Chairperson, NEC, Liberia, Dr. Remi Ajibewa Director, Political Affairs ECOWAS, Dr. Francis Gabriel Oke PPO, Electoral Assistance, Dr. Onyinye Onwuka PPO MCRPA, ECOWAS, Dr. Eyasan Okorodudu PPO, DGG, ECOWAS, ACP Nuhu Hamidu (DPKRS) ECOWAS, Barou Yba Luther PO Operations, ECOWAS, Mr. Abu Turay Embedded Electoral Expert (EAD) GIZ-EPSAO Project.