A bill seeking to amend the constitution to allow Nigerians in the diaspora to vote has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
Co-sponsored by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and Sodeeq Abdullahi, the bill proposes an amendment to the 2022 Electoral Act, paving the way for Nigerians living abroad to participate in elections. It has now been referred to the Constitution Amendment Committee for further legislative deliberations.
Initially approved for a second reading in July, the bill had been sent to the Committee on Electoral Matters for additional scrutiny. During the debate on its principles, Abdullahi argued that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees citizens the fundamental right to freedom of expression and opinion, which includes the right to vote, regardless of their location.
He emphasized that Nigerians in the diaspora, who make significant financial contributions to the nation through remittances, should be granted the right to influence the leadership of their country.
“It is widely acknowledged that diaspora remittances play a vital role in Nigeria’s development. Nigerians living abroad inject considerable funds into the economy, yet existing laws exclude them from voting,” Abdullahi stated.
He added that granting voting rights to Nigerians in the diaspora would ensure greater inclusiveness in the democratic process, aligning with global best practices.
The bill’s provisions guarantee voting rights for citizens living outside Nigeria while ensuring that it does not invalidate existing laws. Instead, it aims to create a framework allowing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct elections for Nigerians abroad.
The House of Representatives will continue its deliberations as the bill progresses through the legislative process.
