The National Association of Nigerian Students in Diaspora (NANS-Diaspora) has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently amend the Constitution to allow Nigerians living overseas to vote in elections.
Speaking In an interview on Friday, NANS-Diaspora President Chris Fayomi stressed the importance of implementing diaspora voting by the 2027 elections.
Fayomi noted that the diaspora community significantly boosts Nigeria’s economy, contributing over 23 billion dollars in remittances each year.
He said, “This implies about a 5 per cent contribution to Nigeria’s GDP. Yet, we remain disenfranchised and excluded from the democratic process in national decision-making.
“Hence, this call is to rightfully request our democratic access to vote as Nigerian citizens living abroad.
“Diaspora voting has been successfully exemplified by other African countries, and as such, the Nigerian government should embrace this monumental stride that empowers its citizens abroad to lawfully vote for their leaders.
“In simple terms, if we contribute to the economy via our resources, we must have a say in who governs us.”
Fayomi emphasized that NANS-Diaspora believes including diaspora voting would bolster democracy, ensure transparency, promote accountability, and provide Nigerians abroad with a collective voice in shaping the nation’s economic future.
He further stated, “In fact, the beginning and the end of renewed hope is the inclusion of Nigerians in the diaspora as electors.
“Likewise, the association also calls on the National Assembly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), NIDCOM, NIDO worldwide and other strategic stakeholders to prioritise the legal and logistical frameworks required to make diaspora voting a reality.
“The leadership of NANS-Diaspora reiterates its commitment to mobilising Nigerian students and young professionals worldwide to support electoral reforms and ensure greater civic engagement from the diaspora community,” Fayomi said.
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