The National Association of Nigerian Students in Diaspora (NANS-Diaspora) has called on the Federal Government to amend the Constitution to allow Nigerians living abroad to participate in national elections, starting with the 2027 general elections. NANS-Diaspora President Chris Fayomi made this appeal during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
Fayomi highlighted the significant contributions of the Nigerian diaspora to the country’s economy, noting that remittances from abroad have reached record highs of over $23 billion in a single year, accounting for about 5% of Nigeria’s GDP. Despite this, Nigerians abroad remain disenfranchised and excluded from the democratic process. He emphasized that other African countries have successfully implemented diaspora voting and urged Nigeria to follow suit, stating, “If we contribute to the economy via our resources, we must have a say in who governs us”.
The NANS-Diaspora president asserted that enabling diaspora voting would strengthen democracy, promote transparency, enhance accountability, and give Nigerians abroad a meaningful voice in shaping their country’s future. He also called on the National Assembly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) worldwide, and other key stakeholders to prioritize establishing the necessary legal and logistical frameworks to make diaspora voting a reality. Fayomi reiterated the association’s commitment to mobilizing Nigerian students and young professionals worldwide to support electoral reforms and ensure greater civic engagement from the diaspora community.
This push for diaspora voting aligns with ongoing discussions and efforts by various stakeholders in Nigeria. In recent years, there have been calls for constitutional amendments to enable Nigerians abroad to vote. For instance, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has advocated for reforms to modernize the voting process, including the introduction of diaspora voting. Additionally, the Nigeria Diaspora Coalition for Change has urged the immediate passage of legislation on diaspora voting, emphasizing the need for concrete steps to actualize this initiative.
