Former president Olusegun Obasanjo has recently expressed support for allowing members of the Nigerian diaspora to vote in the general elections to be held in 2023.
The former Nigerian president said that he believes allowing citizens of the diaspora to vote can improve the democratic process and increase citizen’s participation.
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As part of a petition to President Muhammadu Buhari, the global citizen’s advocacy group Avaaz urged him to allow global citizens with ties to Nigeria to vote in this year’s elections.
Olusegun Obasanjo has endorsed a call for diaspora voting in Nigeria.
Obasanjo made the remarks when the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and some staff of the Commission paid him a courtesy call in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He said The National Assembly should amend the laws to make it possible for Nigerians abroad to vote during elections.
NIDCOM’s head praised Obasanjo for getting Nigerians to coordinate their activities long ago under a Non-Governmental Organization, (NGO), Nigerians in Diaspora Organizations, (NIDO).
The former president was also apprised of some accomplishments of NIDCOM since it was formed.
A statement from the agency’s Media, Public Relations Unit, signed by Gabriel Odu, stated that the engagement process resulted in Nigerians in diaspora-making significant investments in critical sectors such as health, agriculture, hospitality, and tourism.
“The NIDCOM boss said that the Commission has also launched a Diaspora Data Mapping Portal for demographic and strategic development.”
It is estimated that there are nearly 30 million Nigerians living abroad and many of them are eligible voters.
They are eligible, but they cannot vote as they live abroad and they’re not registered as Nigerian citizens because they left before their 18th birthday. In Nigeria, 18-year-olds can register to vote, but people who left before their 18th birthday can’t.
The former president suggests this rule should be changed so those living outside the country could vote on any election happening in Nigeria.
He noted that Nigerian leaders may be able to do whatever they want without fear of losing votes because they don’t believe anyone from the diaspora will participate. He also mentioned that it would be remarkable if Nigerians overseas had a chance to cast ballots in presidential elections.
There are some supporters who feel that the current administration unfairly marginalizes the voices of minorities and marginalized groups.
This isn’t just about politicians and policymakers, this is about giving voice to every single Nigerian. Every Nigerian should have a voice.
Every Nigerian deserves representation, even if they’ve moved to another country. After all, being Nigerian is an intrinsic part of one’s identity no matter where one lives or what citizenship one holds.
And while distance makes it difficult for these members of our society to participate in daily life back home, politics and policies have a global impact.
With increased instability across the world, we need our international allies more than ever before. Surely some form of international voting should be considered.
