Nigerians in Diaspora Demand Voting Rights, Urge Tinubu and National Assembly to Act

The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NiDO)-Worldwide has renewed calls for the inclusion of citizens abroad in Nigeria’s electoral process, urging the National Assembly to prioritise diaspora voting in the ongoing constitutional review.

During a peaceful advocacy walk tagged “Walk for Diaspora Voting” held in Abuja on Thursday, the group also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to endorse the Diaspora Voting Bill once passed by the legislature, as a critical step toward inclusive governance.

Mr. Chibuzo Ubochi, Coordinating Chairman of NiDO-Worldwide, emphasised the importance of granting eligible Nigerians abroad the right to vote. “We are Nigerians living abroad. We bear names like Chibuzor, Ibrahim and Ade. We run Nigerian businesses, eat Nigerian food, and carry the green passport with pride,” Ubochi said. “It is only fair that we are allowed to vote in elections that shape the future of our country.”

He criticised the delay by the National Assembly in legislating diaspora voting, despite previous administrations expressing support for it. “Now that the constitution is under review, the time to act is now,” he added.

Former Coordinating Chairman of NiDO-Worldwide, Dr. Victor Ubani, echoed the sentiments, calling on President Tinubu to make history by supporting the bill once it reaches his desk. “It is unjust for Nigerians abroad to be treated as second-class citizens. We are not outsiders. We contribute to the country’s economy and should be part of its democratic process,” Ubani said.

Also speaking at the event, Chris Juwon Fayomi, Global President of the National Association of Nigerian Students in Diaspora (NANS-DIASPORA), described the walk as a united effort by citizens across continents to push for legislative action.

“This is about 17 million Nigerians abroad who want to participate in choosing their leaders. No legislation will foster inclusion more than diaspora voting,” Fayomi said.

The road walk began at the Unity Fountain and ended at the National Assembly gate, drawing participation from diaspora advocacy groups, youth representatives, and supporters of electoral reform.

NiDO-Worldwide urged lawmakers to act swiftly, warning that further delays would undermine Nigeria’s global image and the democratic rights of its diaspora population.