Nigerians in Diaspora Renew Push for Passage of Voting Rights Bill

Agency report

The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Worldwide (NiDO) has reignited calls for the Nigerian government to enact legislation enabling diaspora voting. The group emphasized that granting voting rights to Nigerians abroad is not only a democratic imperative but also a strategic tool for national development.

At the forefront of the renewed advocacy is Dr. Loretta Ogboro-Okor, Director-General of the Edo Diaspora Agency, who emphasized that diaspora voting would ensure better governance by enabling Nigerians abroad often professionals with global exposure to influence electoral outcomes back home.

“Diaspora voting is going to benefit everybody… it will allow square pegs in square holes, enhancing governance in Nigeria,” said Dr. Ogboro-Okor.“When citizens abroad feel included, they are more likely to return and contribute to nation-building.”

NiDO estimates that over 20 million Nigerians live abroad, contributing significantly to the economy through remittances that now exceed $23 billion annually. Despite this, past administrations have failed to advance the diaspora voting bill, even after it passed a second reading in the House of Representatives in 2024.

NiDO Worldwide expressed disappointment that successive governments, though publicly supportive, failed to take the necessary steps to amend the Constitution and legislate the bill into law.

Comparative Examples from Africa and Beyond

Policy analysts and stakeholders supporting the bill have pointed to global precedents:

• South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya have provisions for diaspora voting in presidential elections.

• Senegal, Mali, and Tunisia go further, allowing citizens abroad to elect legislators dedicated to representing overseas constituencies.

• France and Italy reserve specific seats in their national assemblies for citizens living abroad.

• The U.S. and Mexico permit remote voting via absentee ballots and online systems.

Dr. Collins Nweke, a former Chair of NiDO Europe, reinforced the argument, stating that diaspora voting is no longer optional:

“Nigeria’s failure to enfranchise its diaspora community contradicts its inclusive governance aspirations… Now is the time to act.”

The National Association of Nigerian Students in Diaspora (NANS-Diaspora) added its voice to the campaign. Its president, Chris Fayomi, urged the government to ensure that diaspora voting begins with the 2027 general elections.

“We contribute 5% to Nigeria’s GDP through remittances, yet we’re disenfranchised. It’s time to legally empower us to vote,” he said.

Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), also expressed support but cautioned against a rushed implementation:

“Let it begin when INEC is ready. We must not rush constitutional amendments without thorough planning.”

Mr. Obed Monago, former Chair of NiDO Americas, described past failures to pass the bill as regrettable but called for a more unified and organized push.

“It is unfortunate, but this time, we will not relent. We are taking this up with the 10th National Assembly and will organize more effectively.”

Dr. Victor Ubani, Coordinating Chairman of NiDO Worldwide, acknowledged challenges such as logistics, voter verification, and diplomatic coordination. Still, he urged the government to recognize the diaspora’s economic power and political potential:

“Most advanced democracies allow remote or absentee voting. Nigeria must establish polling stations at its foreign missions and launch extensive voter education campaigns.”

Stakeholders concluded that excluding Nigerians abroad undermines democratic values and silences voices that could significantly influence Nigeria’s development path.

(VON)