All Progressives Congress (APC) has called for the participation of Nigerians in diaspora in future elections, especialy in 2023.
The deputy national publicity secretary of the party, Yakubu Murtala Ajaka, who stated this at a Town Hall meeting in London for young Nigerians, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to commence the process that would give Nigerians living abroad the opportunity to exercise their franchise.
He decried the lack of participation to vote during elections, which he said has continued to rob the nation of a huge voice in the decision-making process of choosing leaders for the country.
The deputy spokesman of the governing party noted that allowing Nigerians living in other countries to vote in Nigeria’s polls would also spur them “to contest for political offices and to make more contributions to the rebirth of the country.”
Calling for the participation of Nigerians in Diaspora in elections, Ajaka said, “INEC’s next move is to start organizing the process for those in the diaspora to vote. By doing so, Nigerians living in other countries can exercise their franchise and be active participants in our collective quest to build a new and prosperous nation whose future should be entrusted to the youth.
“Similarly, the right of Nigerians in the Diaspora to vote during elections as critical stakeholders gives them the opportunity in the rebirth and of course, nurturing of our democracy and a better Nigeria. This provides Nigerians in the Diaspora the opportunity to vote for leaders with the zeal and commitment to move the nation forward and improve the lives of the citizenry.”
The APC also sought the support of Nigerians in diaspora for the party’s presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the former Lagos State governor understands the youth better and would facilitate the opportunity for young Nigerians in diaspora to participate and contribute to the rebirth of a new Nigeria.
According to Ajaka, apart from being blessed with a robust and fruitful relationship with Nigerians across the geo-political zones and indeed every state, Tinubu’s investment in making relationships stands him out as the best bridge builder that Nigeria needs now.
Tinubu’s wealth of experience, dynamism, bridge-building process, and economic acumen, he said, stands him out among other candidates to shape a prosperous future for Nigeria and its people.
He stated: “His passion for youth development and engagement makes him different from others. I am convinced beyond every reasonable doubt that it is only Tinubu who understands the youth better that can give our youth and indeed, the young men in the diaspora, the opportunity to participate and contribute to the rebirth of a new Nigeria.
“Similarly, Nigeria needs a patriotic leader who can give others outside his geo-political zone, tribe and religion equal opportunity for self-actualization and service to the nation. He should be a leader with a firm belief in the potentialities of the country.
“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the former executive governor of Lagos State, Nigeria’s economic and commercial centre. A former high-ranking Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) before his election as the presidential candidate of the party, is undoubtedly the man with these sterling qualities.
“He has the advantage of combining both legislative and executive experiences for a more united and prosperous Nigeria which other candidates do not have.
“As a Governor in South-west Nigeria, Tinubu had equal to none, and employed the services of Nigerians from other states to serve in his cabinet. He laid sustainable policies that has continued to attract both local and international investments to Lagos State, while the people and government of the state get empowered economically.”
