BREAKING: Diaspora Voting Bill Scales Second Reading in House of Reps – A New Era for Nigerian Citizens Abroad?

In a significant move, the House of Representatives has passed the Bill for Diaspora Voting through its second reading. This development has sparked excitement among Nigerian citizens living abroad, who may soon be able to exercise their right to vote in Nigerian elections.

The Bill, co-sponsored by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and Representative Sodeeq Abdullahi, seeks to amend the 2022 Electoral Act to enable Nigerians living outside the country to participate in the electoral process. This move is expected to have far-reaching implications for Nigerian citizens abroad, who have long been advocating for their right to vote.

What Does This Mean for Nigerian Citizens Abroad?

The passage of the Bill through its second reading is a significant step towards granting Nigerian citizens abroad the right to vote. If the Bill becomes law, it will amend sections 77(2) and 117(2) of the Electoral Act, paving the way for diaspora voting .

This development is expected to boost participation in the electoral process among Nigerian citizens abroad, who have often felt disenfranchised by their inability to vote. With the possibility of diaspora voting on the horizon, Nigerian citizens abroad may soon have a greater say in the country’s democratic process.

Next Steps

The Bill will now be referred to the Constitution Amendment Committee for further legislative action. If it passes through the committee stage and is eventually signed into law, Nigerian citizens abroad may be able to exercise their right to vote in future elections.

As the Bill progresses through the legislative process, Nigerian citizens abroad will be watching with bated breath. Will this Bill become law, and if so, what implications will it have for Nigerian citizens abroad? Only time will tell.