2023: Do Not Be Disappointed – FG Sends Message To Nigerians In Diaspora Over Voting Rights

The chairperson of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has implored Nigerians in Diaspora not be disappointed that they will not be able to vote in 2023 because they are not supported by legislation yet.

She stated this during the 2022 Annual General Meeting of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas, held at the Nigerian Consulate in New York and monitored virtually by journalists in Abuja, with the theme, “NIDOA Renaissance: Leveraging on New Generation Leadership.”

Dabiri-Erewa, while advising the diasporans, implored them to make efforts in convincing the National Assembly to pass Diaspora voting into law.

She also warned against disobeying the nation’s law while trying to raise funds to support presidential candidates.

She said, “I know that you can’t vote in 2023, but don’t be disappointed. Rather, you need to work harder to lobby the National Assembly to make it possible for the Diasporans to be able to vote. However, you have the voice and should use it to urge all eligible voters to.

“I have been hearing stories that you are going to raise this money for one person or the other. Whatever you do, don’t break the laws of elections and funding in Nigeria. I think that is very important.

“So, I won’t encourage you to break any law relating to political funding; you know how it is operated in America. Make sure you follow the laws in Nigeria as well. So as we move on, I can guarantee you that under this administration, we will continue to protect our Diasporans.”

The National Assembly had recently voted against the bill seeking to provide for Diaspora voting in the Constitution.