FG Moves to Advance Diaspora Voting Bill!
Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa
The Federal Government says it is taking concrete steps to push forward the Diaspora Voting Bill, which seeks to grant Nigerians living abroad the constitutional right to participate in national elections.
What We Know:
- The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed the renewed effort during a forum with diaspora groups in Abuja.
- The proposed legislation would amend sections of the Electoral Act and Constitution to allow diaspora Nigerians to vote in presidential and possibly gubernatorial elections.
- Nigeria has over 17 million citizens in the diaspora, according to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
Quote:
“Diaspora voting is not a privilege — it is a democratic right that we must deliver to Nigerians abroad.”
— Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Why It Matters:
- Nigeria is one of the few major African countries without a diaspora voting system.
- Diaspora remittances exceed $20 billion annually, yet expatriates remain disenfranchised.
- The bill’s passage could strengthen civic engagement and national unity.
What to Watch:
- Progress of the bill through the National Assembly.
- INEC’s readiness to implement secure diaspora voting logistics.
- Opposition or legal concerns over dual citizenship and electoral integrity.
Sources:
- NiDCOM Forum — Oct. 27, 2025
- The Guardian Nigeria — “FG Revives Push for Diaspora Voting”
- Channels TV — “Tuggar Calls for Electoral Inclusion of Nigerians Abroad”
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