The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE) has distanced itself from a statement issued by a group claiming to be "NIDO Worldwide" on September 18, 2026. NIDOE stated that it was not consulted, nor did it endorse the statement in any form. According to NIDOE, its leadership, headed by Hon. Cllr. Harold Ogunfemi, was elected through a transparent constitutional process at its Annual General Meeting in Athens, Greece, from November 7 to 10, 2024.
NIDOE's current leadership legitimacy has been affirmed by the courts. The organisation stated that legal challenges seeking to stop the Athens AGM were dismissed with costs awarded in favour of NIDOE. A claim brought against NIDO Europe before the County Court at Central London was also dismissed by Deputy District Judge Chakravarty in a judgment dated May 28, 2025. This, NIDOE said, confirms Cllr. Ogunfemi's position as the authentic and lawful leader of NIDO Europe.
NIDOE described "NIDO Worldwide" as an entity with no constitutional foundation within the framework recognised by NiDCOM or the laws of Nigeria. The NiDCOM Establishment Act 2017 recognises Nigerians in Diaspora Organisations on a continental basis, with each continental body independent and autonomous in its governance. NIDOE stated that there is no statutory provision for an overarching body called "NIDO Worldwide."
The individuals claiming the title of "Coordinating Chairman, NIDO Worldwide" were said to hold no electoral mandate from NIDO Europe's membership. Their positions, NIDOE stated, rest on appointment, not election; on self-assertion, not constitutional process. The body also faulted the claim that the September 18 statement was approved by the five continental bodies, describing it as misleading.
NIDOE said it never authorised or approved the statement, and its name was used without consent. On the Auditor-General's report on NiDCOM, NIDOE stated that it remains a matter strictly for the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, NiDCOM, and the relevant oversight committees of the National Assembly. The organisation stressed that audit observations are not criminal convictions but queries requiring documentation and response.
NIDOE urged stakeholders to allow constitutional processes of audit review and legislative oversight to run without politicisation. The organisation reaffirmed its non-partisan stance, noting that its mandate is to serve Nigerians in Europe and not to intervene in disputes between federal agencies and the National Assembly. NIDOE called on members of the diaspora community and the public to verify leadership claims of any individual or group purporting to represent NIDO Europe.
The organisation warned against parallel structures with no membership mandate. NIDOE said under Cllr. Ogunfemi's leadership, it will continue to uphold its constitution, serve its members, and engage constructively with Nigerian and European institutions through proper channels. The public was urged to disregard the unauthorised statement and engage with NIDO Europe only through its recognised leadership.
Key points
- NIDO Europe disowns 'NIDO Worldwide' statement on Auditor-General's report
- 'NIDO Worldwide' has no constitutional backing, says NIDOE
- NIDOE urges stakeholders to respect constitutional processes in audit review and legislative oversight
