Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has warned that the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, is in danger due to poor leadership, lack of trust among leaders, and weak institutions.
Speaking at Christ Church College, University of Oxford, during ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary on May 9, 2025, Governor Bala said the region is suffering from a “crisis of governance”;; that is affecting people’s lives daily.
“The West African Community is failing due to poor governance, a trust deficit among leaders, and weak institutional accountability,”;; he declared before a packed audience of scholars, diplomats, and policymakers. “These failures are not abstract; they impact people’s lives every day,”;; he said.
Mohammed pointed to reforms in Bauchi State, especially in education, health, infrastructure, and economic empowerment, as proof that good governance is possible when leaders are transparent and accountable.
The governor’s remarks aligned with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s keynote speech, where the elder statesman said ECOWAS is at risk due to mistrust and poor cooperation among leaders.
Obasanjo also raised concerns about the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES) by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, military-led nations that have openly distanced themselves from ECOWAS.
The Oxford event brought together leaders, diplomats, and scholars to discuss democracy, security, and development in the region.
In a statement by his media aide, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor’s participation was described as part of his growing regional influence and commitment to West Africa’s unity and progress.
