By Leo Nelson
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has arrived in Cotonou, Benin, to head the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Election Observation Mission (EOM) ahead of the country’s presidential election on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
His appointment was confirmed in a news release issued by ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray.
The mission, running from April 7 to April 15, will operate under the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, the legal framework that guides election observation across the region and empowers observers to assess the transparency of the electoral process and the neutrality of state institutions.
In a social media post on Thursday, April 9, the former President confirmed his arrival and said stakeholder engagements were already underway. “I arrived in Cotonou, Benin on Wednesday to begin key stakeholder engagements as Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission ahead of the presidential election on Sunday, 12th April, 2026,” he stated.
He added that he remains committed to working alongside the Republic of Benin to ensure a peaceful and credible election that respects the will of the people.
The observation team comprises a multidisciplinary group of observers drawn from across ECOWAS member states, including diplomats, electoral experts, representatives of national electoral commissions, members of the ECOWAS Parliament and the Council of the Wise, as well as officials from the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
The technical team is led by ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah. Observers will be deployed across Benin to monitor all key phases of the process from campaign activities through Election Day to the post-election period while engaging government institutions, political parties, civil society organisations, the media, and development partners.
ECOWAS has also maintained a long-term observation presence in the country since March 22, with election experts covering areas including constitutional law, electoral operations, media, conflict prevention, gender, and security. A pre-election fact-finding mission was additionally carried out from January 7 to 17, 2026.
The April 12 vote is a defining moment for Benin. Incumbent President Patrice Talon, in office since 2016, is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term. The ruling coalition has fielded Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as its candidate, while Paul Hounkpè of the Forces Cauris pour un Bénin Émergent party represents the opposition.
With only two candidates in the race, the contest will be decided in a single round, as a candidate must secure more than 50 percent of votes to win outright under Benin’s constitution.
ECOWAS stated that the selection of the former president reflects confidence in his experience and leadership in supporting transparent electoral processes within the region.
The Benin assignment marks Akufo-Addo’s third major international election observer role. He previously led a Commonwealth Observer Group to Bangladesh in February 2026 and headed an African Union Election Observation Mission to the Republic of the Congo in March 2026.
ECOWAS urged all political actors and citizens in Benin to uphold peace, tolerance, and the rule of law throughout the electoral period, as the country heads to the polls in what is widely regarded as a significant test of democratic governance in West Africa.