The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged caution regarding the proposal by the National Assembly to introduce diaspora voting in Nigeria, citing both constitutional and logistical concerns.
The Senate, following its October 2023 retreat in Ikot Ikpene, Akwa Ibom, announced its intention to amend the Electoral Act to enable Nigerians living abroad, particularly those serving in essential roles such as military, paramilitary, and embassy staff, to participate in presidential elections.
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While the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has expressed support for this move, APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, highlighted the need for a thorough review of the legal framework.
Speaking on Tuesday, Basiru acknowledged the appeal of diaspora voting but emphasized the importance of adhering to Nigeria’s constitutional requirements.
Basiru pointed out that under the current law, to win a presidential election, a candidate must not only secure a majority of votes but also achieve at least one-quarter of the votes in two-thirds of Nigeria’s states.
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He questioned how votes from abroad would be assigned to specific states, warning that this issue requires careful consideration.
“The constitutional requirement is not just about securing the majority of votes but also about winning one-quarter of the votes in two-thirds of the states. So, how do you allocate diaspora votes to these states?” Basiru asked.
He further urged lawmakers to prioritize the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, which already faces significant challenges in ensuring credible elections within its borders.
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“We must critically evaluate the legal and logistical aspects before expanding voting to other jurisdictions. It’s an aspiration worth pursuing, but not at the cost of undermining the integrity of our elections,” Basiru stated.
Meanwhile, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele had previously expressed optimism about the proposal, noting that a bill on diaspora voting had already been introduced in the 10th Senate, with plans for a second reading soon.
He emphasized the significance of this development, calling it a positive step forward in electoral reform.
