INEC Renews Push for Diaspora Voting Through Constitutional Amendment

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its call for constitutional amendments that would finally grant voting rights to Nigerians living abroad.

In a bold move to enhance electoral inclusivity, INEC is advocating for a revision of the 1999 Constitution to enable diaspora voting in future elections. The commission's proposal also includes early and special voting for essential workers, election officials, and incarcerated individuals groups currently excluded from Nigeria’s electoral process.

This appeal is part of INEC’s broader electoral reform agenda outlined in its newly submitted report, “Issues and Contentions in the Electoral Legal Framework: An Overview from INEC’s Submission.”

According to the commission, amending Sections 12 and 45 of the Electoral Act 2022 would allow for the formal introduction of out-of-country and diaspora voting, ensuring that millions of Nigerians abroad can participate in shaping the nation's leadership.

“Make provisions to enable the introduction of early/special voting including for those in the Diaspora and out-of-country voting for eligible Nigerians outside the country,” the report stated.

Diaspora voting has long been a demand of Nigerians abroad, who contribute significantly to the national economy through remittances but remain disenfranchised during elections.

Beyond voting rights, INEC is also pushing to modernize the electoral system by allowing electronically downloadable voter cards and alternative digital identification methods to replace physical PVCs.

The commission also recommended the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission and a Political Party Regulatory Agency to improve election accountability and party operations.

While Nigeria’s 2022 Electoral Act introduced some reforms, INEC insists that more work is needed to build a transparent and inclusive democratic process. The proposed changes have already been reviewed by a joint committee of the National Assembly and INEC, with legislative action expected soon.

For millions of Nigerians abroad, this renewed push could mark a turning point in their long-standing demand to be included in the democratic process back home.