A recent Town Hall meeting in New York, organized by News Central, brought together eminent personalities and experts to discuss the importance and implications of Diaspora Voting in Nigeria's elections. The event, which was the 3rd annual edition, aimed at uniting dispersed Nigerians and creating a coherent platform for national growth. The theme of the meeting was "The Diaspora Voting Bill: Promise, Politics and the Path Forward." The discussion featured Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress.
During the session, Sowore argued that the large Nigerian diaspora represents a significant voting bloc whose choices could shape Nigeria's political landscape. He also challenged Nigerians abroad to become more politically conscious and deliberate about the kind of leadership they want for the country. However, Sowore chided Nigerians in the diaspora, claiming they "aided and abetted" crimes and politicians. He alleged that many Nigerians in the diaspora were corrupt and not respected by politicians.
The Town Hall meeting also featured Edward Ilechukwu, Special Envoy on Gender Affairs Education to the United Nations and Peace Ambassador. Ilechukwu noted that Nigerians have spent years discussing diaspora voting and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to develop a dedicated diaspora voters' register. The conversation examined the economic relationship between Nigeria and its citizens abroad, with Professor Jelili Adebiyi highlighting the importance of diaspora remittances to Nigerian households.
Chibuzo Ubochi, Chairman of NIDO Europe and Coordinating Chairman of NIDO Worldwide, described the diaspora voting debate as a long-running struggle marked by years of advocacy and limited delivery. He questioned whether the political will exists to translate existing policy discussions into action. Ubochi also pointed to the fragmented nature of the Nigerian diaspora and stressed the importance of establishing clear timelines for advocacy efforts.
Dr Loretta Ogboro-Okor, Director General of the Edo State Diaspora Agency, argued that Nigerians who live and study abroad remain Nigerians and should not be separated from the national conversation because of their location. She also raised questions about public confidence in INEC and the role technology could play in facilitating diaspora voting. According to Ogboro-Okor, technology could support the process, but it would not replace the need for institutional commitment and participation.
The conversation also extended to the younger generation, with Daniel Jayeoba, Founder of Nigerians in New York, asking a fundamental question about what Nigeria expects the relationship between the country and its citizens abroad to look like. Chidubem Oparaoji, Member of Diaspora Mbaise USA Youth, questioned the gap between Nigeria's economic recognition of its diaspora and its political recognition. Lade Olugbemi, Labour and former Cooperative Councillor at the Royal Borough of Greenwich, argued that Nigerians abroad should not be treated solely as contributors to the Nigerian economy.
The Town Hall meeting concluded with a call on the National Assembly to pass the Diaspora Voting Bill, with Stephen Osemwegie, President and Founder of Save Nigeria Group USA, arguing that Nigerians abroad should have the opportunity to participate directly in choosing the country's leaders. The event provided another platform to examine a national issue through multiple perspectives, bringing the conversation directly to Nigerians living outside the country. As Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle, the question of who gets to participate in choosing its leaders is likely to remain part of the national conversation.
Key points
- Omoyele Sowore criticizes Nigerians in diaspora for corruption and inefficiency.
- The Town Hall meeting discussed the importance and implications of Diaspora Voting in Nigeria's elections.
- The event called on the National Assembly to pass the Diaspora Voting Bill.
