A bill that was earlier proposed to allow Nigerians in the diaspora to vote during elections just passed is second reading.
The bill which seeks to amend the 2022 Electoral Act, to allow Nigerians in the diaspora to vote during elections conducted in the country was sponsored by Speakers Abbas Tajudeen and Sodeeq Abdullahi.
After its first reading, the bill was referred to the Committee on Electoral Matters for further legislative action, but was instead, turned to the constitution amendment committee.
The sponsors of the bill had argued citing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) where citizens have the fundamental right of freedom of expression and opinion, that all citizens of Nigeria, irrespective of their location should be given that right and freedom to express themselves in their country’s general elections.
It was also argued that Nigerians abroad also contribute to the economy and development of the country through remittances, hence, should be granted the right to vote during the country’s elections.
If the bill successfully passes second reading and third and later enacted, it therefore means Nigerians living abroad will be able to participate and exercise their democratic obligations to the country during general elections.
The bill has however sparked concerns and reactions from netizen; some believing it’s unnecessary, or a way of manipulating election results, while some welcomed the development.
One person reacted saying, “you might be winning the election comfortably in the morning, only to see 30 million votes coming from Niger, Chad, Benin Republic, and Cameroon before daybreak.
“Niger Republic alone can produce more diaspora votes than US, Canada, UK, Germany, Italy and France out together,” the netizen said.
