Shettima to ECOWAS leaders: Avoid temptation to tamper with constitutional term limits
Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima has called on West African leaders to uphold constitutional term limits and prioritize good governance. Speaking at an ECOWAS summit, he emphasized that regional stability and development depend on democratic integrity rather than political adventurism.
Why it matters
This reflects Nigeria's diplomatic push to curb the recent wave of military coups and democratic backsliding across the West African region.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged West African heads of state to avoid the temptation of tampering with constitutional term limits.
Shettima spoke on Sunday while delivering his remarks on the ‘Future of regional integration in West Africa’ at the 69th ordinary session of the ECOWAS authority of heads of state summit in Lungi, Sierra Leone.
The vice-president said Nigeria’s position on peace, security, and democratic governance is that sustainable development cannot be achieved in an environment of insecurity and instability.
“Nigeria supports the Compact’s commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government,” he said.
“I am to add that beyond adventurism, the most effective tool against Unconstitutional Changes of Government and mass protests that is capable of undermining good order is for us to enthrone good governance that delivers more tangible benefits to our citizens.
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